seemed to indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seemed to indicate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something appears to suggest or point to a particular conclusion or idea, but without certainty. Example: "The data from the experiment seemed to indicate a correlation between the two variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Kharrazi's comments seemed to indicate otherwise.

The New York Times

Friday's ruling seemed to indicate the latter.

The New York Times

But he seemed to indicate that bonuses must be paid.

The Guardian - Business

The results are very technical, but seemed to indicate steering.

The New York Times

Again, this seemed to indicate a faster time.

The New York Times - Sports

And what their sources seemed to indicate is that these were powerful.

Cornell University

Viacom's announcement seemed to indicate that such optimism has waned somewhat.

The New York Times

Then other stories started to emerge that seemed to indicate a sea change.

The Guardian

In making such a financial commitment, the Mets seemed to indicate that Benitez is their closer.

The New York Times - Sports

Cuche made a face that seemed to indicate he was not so convinced.

The New York Times

Everything Turkmenbashi did seemed to indicate that he was out of his mind.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seemed to indicate" when you want to convey an impression or inference without making a definitive statement. This softens the claim and acknowledges a degree of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "seemed to indicate" when stronger evidence is available. If the evidence is conclusive, use more direct language to express certainty and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seemed to indicate" functions as a hedge, softening the assertion that something is true or factual. It expresses an inference or impression based on available information, without making a definitive claim. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a way of indicating something without absolute certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seemed to indicate" is a versatile tool for expressing inferences and interpretations without making definitive claims. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various domains, particularly in news, academic writing, and encyclopedias. This expression serves as a valuable hedge, conveying information with a degree of caution and objectivity. While alternatives like "suggested" or "implied" exist, "seemed to indicate" offers a unique balance of formality and tentativeness, making it suitable for contexts where precise yet nuanced communication is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeared to suggest

Emphasizes visual appearance or initial impression leading to a suggestion.

suggested

A more direct way of implying something; less tentative than "seemed to indicate".

implied

Indicates a subtle or indirect suggestion, often requiring interpretation.

hinted at

Implies a more subtle and indirect suggestion, often intentionally vague.

pointed to

Suggests evidence or factors that support a particular conclusion.

gave the impression of

Focuses on the perception or feeling created, rather than a direct indication.

led one to believe

Indicates a reason or basis for forming a particular belief or conclusion.

intimated

Suggests a subtle or delicate way of conveying information indirectly.

signified

Implies a symbolic or representational meaning, often through signs or signals.

evidenced

Highlights the presence of evidence supporting a specific claim or observation.

FAQs

How can I use "seemed to indicate" in a sentence?

Use "seemed to indicate" to express that something suggests a particular idea or conclusion, without stating it as a definite fact. For example, "The experiment's results "seemed to indicate" a positive correlation".

What are some alternatives to "seemed to indicate"?

Alternatives include "appeared to suggest", "implied", or "hinted at". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "seemed to indicate" in formal writing?

Yes, "seemed to indicate" is suitable for formal writing when you need to express an inference or suggestion without absolute certainty. It maintains a level of objectivity and caution.

What's the difference between "seemed to indicate" and "suggested"?

"Seemed to indicate" conveys a more tentative or observational tone, implying that the suggestion is based on an impression. "Suggested" can be more direct and based on more concrete evidence, though still not definitively proven.