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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
seeming to be
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "seeming to be" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it in the present tense to describe an impression or appearance of something. For example, "The clouds were seemingly motionless, hanging in the sky like white cotton candy."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
Or seeming to be.
News & Media
Jaime says, seeming to be guessing.
News & Media
It's serious without seeming to be. . . .
News & Media
"It's seeming to be virtuous that helps; as, for example, seeming to be compassionate, loyal, humane, honest and religious".
News & Media
A lot of things are not seeming to be captured by it.
Academia
Like Britain's Conservative Party in the past, it risks seeming to be a "nasty" party.
News & Media
Criticizes Post in some ways for at times seeming to be combination of N.Y.
News & Media
Ferguson dismisses the idea that seeming to be an establishment figure is a problem.
News & Media
But having arrived they found that history seeming to be lying obstinately beyond their reach.
News & Media
Mr. Aso has also turned off voters by seeming to be out of touch.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
1 human-written examples
Some compositions, seeming to be more interesting than Hench's 45S5, could have been pointed out.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When choosing between "seeming to be" and alternatives, consider the nuance you want to convey. "Appearing to be" focuses on visuals, while "pretending to be" implies intentional deception.
Common error
Avoid using "seeming to be" when a simpler verb like 'is' or 'appears' suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound verbose. For example, instead of "The problem is "seeming to be" complex," try "The problem seems complex."
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "seeming to be" functions as a linking phrase or auxiliary construction, connecting a subject to a description of its apparent state or quality. As Ludwig AI shows, it qualifies a state or action, indicating an impression rather than a confirmed fact. It often implies a degree of uncertainty or potential difference between appearance and reality.
Frequent in
News & Media
45%
Science
25%
Academia
15%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "seeming to be" is a linking phrase used to convey an impression or appearance, often suggesting a possible difference between perception and reality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While it is suitable for neutral to formal communication, it is essential to avoid overuse and ensure it adds meaningful nuance to your writing. Alternatives include "appearing to be" or "pretending to be", each with slight variations in meaning. Remember to choose the most precise phrase to effectively communicate your intended message. Its most frequent usage, according to Ludwig, is in news, scientific and academic sources.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
appearing to be
Focuses on the visual aspect of giving an impression. It highlights the surface-level observation.
evidently being
Focuses on the easily noticed characteristics of giving a certain impression.
giving the impression of being
More descriptive and emphasizes the overall effect of creating a particular image.
pretending to be
Suggests a deliberate act of creating a false impression. It implies intentionality.
having the appearance of being
Highlights a focus on visual aspects. More descriptive way of expressing how something is viewed.
purporting to be
Indicates a claim or assertion that may or may not be true. It carries a hint of skepticism.
allegedly being
Suggests that something is claimed but not yet proven.
ostensibly being
Implies that something is presented as being a certain way, often to conceal the true nature.
ostensibly to be
This alternative stresses an appearance of truth or rightness while still implying something else might actually be the case.
professing to be
Highlights a public declaration or avowal. It suggests a formal or explicit claim.
FAQs
How can I use "seeming to be" in a sentence?
Use "seeming to be" to describe something that gives a particular impression or appearance. For example, "The situation is "seeming to be" under control, but we need to remain vigilant."
What phrases are similar to "seeming to be"?
Similar phrases include "appearing to be", "pretending to be", or "giving the impression of being". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it always necessary to use "seeming to be," or can I use a simpler phrase?
Often, a simpler verb like 'appears' or 'seems' can replace "seeming to be" without loss of meaning. For instance, instead of "The answer is "seeming to be" obvious", you can simply say "The answer seems obvious."
What is the difference between "seeming to be" and "being"?
"Seeming to be" implies an appearance that might not reflect reality, while "being" states a fact. For example, "The project is "seeming to be" successful" suggests it looks successful, but there might be underlying issues. "The project is successful" states definitively that it is successful.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested