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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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seeming to be

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Or seeming to be.

Jaime says, seeming to be guessing.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It's serious without seeming to be. . . .

News & Media

The New Yorker

"It's seeming to be virtuous that helps; as, for example, seeming to be compassionate, loyal, humane, honest and religious".

A lot of things are not seeming to be captured by it.

Like Britain's Conservative Party in the past, it risks seeming to be a "nasty" party.

News & Media

The Economist

Criticizes Post in some ways for at times seeming to be combination of N.Y.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Ferguson dismisses the idea that seeming to be an establishment figure is a problem.

News & Media

The Guardian

But having arrived they found that history seeming to be lying obstinately beyond their reach.

News & Media

The Guardian

Mr. Aso has also turned off voters by seeming to be out of touch.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

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."

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: