seems

USAGE SUMMARY

'seems' is a perfectly valid English word and can be used in written English.
'Seems' is a verb in the present tense that implies uncertainty about something that has been perceived or thought about. For example, you can use it in a sentence like: "It seems like the traffic is getting worse and worse in this city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems doubtful.

The New York Times

It seems unlikely.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems not.

The New York Times - Arts

That seems odd.

The Economist

That seems unlikely.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems impossible.

The New York Times - Arts

But that seems unlikely.

The New York Times

The strategy seems to have worked.

The New York Times - Arts

"But there seems to be growing irritation towards how international obligations operate.

The Guardian

This seems wrong.

The Economist

This seems unlikely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "seems" with modal verbs (like "can", "could", "might") for an even softer, more tentative tone.

Common error

Avoid using "seems" excessively in a single piece of writing as it can make your arguments appear weak or indecisive. Vary your language with stronger verbs or adverbs to convey certainty when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seems" is as a linking verb. It connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement that describes or identifies the subject. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses an impression or appearance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "seems" is a versatile tool in the English language, used to express impressions, possibilities, and subjective observations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in formal business and scientific contexts, demonstrating its adaptability across various writing styles. While frequently used, writers should be mindful of overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives like "appears to be" or "suggests that" can provide variety and precision. Remember, "seems" is your friend when you need to soften a statement with a touch of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears to be

Emphasizes the outward appearance or impression of something.

gives the impression

Focuses on the subjective feeling or perception created.

looks like

A more informal way of expressing a visual resemblance or possibility.

suggests that

Implies that something indicates a particular conclusion or idea.

indicates that

Highlights evidence or signals pointing to a specific outcome or situation.

one might think

Presents a tentative or speculative viewpoint.

it is plausible that

Indicates a reasonable or believable possibility.

could be

Expresses a potential outcome or state in a simple manner.

it is conceivable that

Suggests something is within the realm of possibility, though perhaps unlikely.

it would appear

A more formal way to indicate something is evident based on current information.

FAQs

How to use "seems" in a sentence?

"Seems" is used to express an impression or a degree of uncertainty. For example, "It seems like it's going to rain" or "He seems happy today".

What can I say instead of "seems"?

You can use alternatives like "appears to be", "gives the impression", or "looks like" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "seems" or "seams"?

"Seems" refers to an appearance or impression, while "seams" refers to a line where two pieces of fabric are joined. They have different meanings and are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "seems" and "is"?

"Is" indicates a definite state or fact, while "seems" suggests an impression or a possibility that may not be certain. "He is happy" implies certainty, whereas "He seems happy" implies an observation that may not be entirely accurate.