seems deeper than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems deeper than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the perceived complexity or significance of one thing in relation to another. Example: "Her explanation of the theory seems deeper than the initial summary provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Hals's portrayal of a cheerful musician whose only worry is his temporarily empty glass seems a playful parody of Caravaggio's wounded youth, whose face is contorted with a pain that seems deeper than a nip on the tip of a finger would inflict.

The New York Times - Arts

United's hole seems deeper than most.

Forbes

"The depth of the surgical field seems deeper than it actually is when looking at it with my eyes".

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

The central fovea seems deeper than in Sivapithecus and as deep as in Lufengpithecus at similar wear stages.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

There are some funny counting rules that make the cuts seem deeper than they are.

The New York Times

But the anxiety he was mired in in the summer of 2006 seemed deeper than what might be expected from financial or professional insecurity, or the infirmities of growing old, or even the aftermath of a busted marriage — his fourth.

The New York Times - Magazine

With Buddhist and Muslim communities effectively segregated, divisions seem deeper than ever, the BBC's Jonathan Head reports from Rakhine.

BBC

I thought this might simply be a novelty effect, but it has seemed deeper than that and is something I have discussed with my students.

Video Journal of Education and Pedagogy

Still, the problem seemed deeper seated than anything that the sacking of a bureaucrat might resolve.

The New Yorker

A remembered indefinable something, a sort of inaudible hum of spiritual tranquillity, seemed deeper and stronger than before.

The New Yorker

I'm inclined to agree – though we can't pick out the three different sugars in Lawson's puree, the sweetness does seem deeper and richer than in those versions made with just white sugar, so it makes sense to use that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems deeper than" to effectively convey a sense of hidden complexity or significance. It's useful when you want to imply that an initial impression doesn't tell the whole story.

Common error

Avoid using "seems deeper than" when literal depth is intended; this phrase works best for abstract concepts. For physical depth, use "is actually deeper than it looks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems deeper than" functions as a comparative expression, indicating that something's complexity or significance surpasses initial perceptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Arts

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seems deeper than" serves as a comparative tool to imply hidden complexity or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare in frequency, its versatility spans across news, science, and the arts, suggesting an underlying subtlety demanding further exploration. This phrase is most effective when conveying the notion that initial impressions are insufficient, inviting a deeper analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears more profound than

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "deeper" with "profound", emphasizing a greater intellectual or emotional depth.

runs far deeper than

Emphasizes that the issue extends beyond the surface level.

is more complex than it appears

Highlights the contrast between the apparent simplicity and the actual complexity.

is more deeply rooted than

Emphasizes a long-standing and well-established origin.

is more significant than

Focuses on the importance or consequence rather than the depth.

is more ingrained than

Indicates that something is deeply embedded or established.

is more intricate than

Suggests a more complex and detailed structure.

is more pervasive than

Implies a widespread and extensive influence.

is more fundamental than

Highlights the foundational nature of something.

proves more consequential than

Shifts the focus to the impact or outcome of something.

FAQs

How can I use "seems deeper than" in a sentence?

You can use "seems deeper than" to suggest that a situation or emotion is more complex or significant than it initially appears. For example: "The problem "seems deeper than" a simple misunderstanding."

What can I say instead of "seems deeper than"?

Alternatives include "appears more profound than", "runs far deeper than", or "is more complex than it appears", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "seems deeper than" formal or informal?

"Seems deeper than" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles.

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

"Seems deeper than" suggests a perception or impression, while "is deeper than" states a fact. The former implies subjective judgment, whereas the latter suggests objective truth.