seems due

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems due" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something appears to be owed or expected at a certain time. Example: "The payment for the invoice seems due at the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The contract, with only those three top losers, seems due to succeed.

The New York Times - Arts

Credit seems due to Neil MacGregor, 56, who last year took over as the museum's director.

The New York Times - Arts

Nonetheless, a good portion of this year's 25% increase seems due to worries over supplies.

The Economist

The real strength of the situation seems due to the demands of spinners.

The New York Times

This delay in moving forward seems due to the government's slow response in publicly recognising the emergency.

The Guardian

Yet unconventional wisdom would dictate that, despite its lack of a victory, the home team seems due.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It seemed due for a face-lift.

The New York Times

Somehow they did not seem due for a chummy rapprochement.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Frenkel's success seemed due to factors beyond her gregariousness.

The New York Times

His base salary last season, $2.5 million, would seem due to rise considerably.

The New York Times - Sports

Radiohead, in particular, seem due for a win – thrice nominated, the acclaimed group have yet to take home a Mercury.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems due" when you want to express that something is expected or required at a specific time, but without stating it as an absolute fact.

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, avoid relying too heavily on "seems due". Opt for stronger, more direct phrasing to convey certainty and authority, such as "is required" or "is expected."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems due" functions as a qualifying expression, softening a statement about an obligation or expectation. It suggests an assessment based on available information rather than a definitive pronouncement. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies events and payments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seems due" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a qualified expectation or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable across various contexts, including News & Media and Science, albeit with a neutral formality. Alternatives such as "appears to be required" or "is expected imminently" can be used to adjust the tone or emphasis. When using "seems due", it's important to consider the context and choose a more direct phrasing in overly formal situations. The frequent use of the phrase in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears to be required

Replaces "seems" with "appears to be" and "due" with "required", altering the level of formality.

is expected imminently

Substitutes "seems due" with a phrase indicating an expectation of something happening soon.

is likely outstanding

Replaces "seems due" with a phrase that indicates that something is probably still owed.

is probably necessary

Substitutes "seems due" to suggest the likelihood of needing something.

is apparently needed

Replaces "seems due" with a phrase that means something is evidently required.

is potentially required

Changes "seems due" to highlight the possibility of something being needed.

is considered obligatory

Replaces "seems due" with a phrase that indicates something is considered mandatory.

is anticipated shortly

Substitutes "seems due" with a phrase suggesting an expectation of something in the near future.

is on the verge of being needed

Replaces "seems due" with a phrase suggesting immediacy.

is nearing its deadline

Replaces "seems due" with a phrase indicating an approaching time limit.

FAQs

How can I use "seems due" in a sentence?

You can use "seems due" to indicate an expected obligation or event, as in "The payment for the invoice "seems due" at the end of the month" or "A reappraisal of the policy "seems due" after these events".

What can I say instead of "seems due"?

Alternatives include "appears to be required", "is expected imminently", or "is likely outstanding", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "seems due" or "is due"?

"Seems due" implies a degree of uncertainty or observation, whereas "is due" is a more direct statement of fact. Use "seems due" when you want to express an opinion or observation rather than a definitive assertion.

What's the difference between "seems due" and "appears due"?

While both convey a similar meaning, "appears due" might suggest more visual evidence or a stronger impression, whereas ""seems due"" can be based on a more general feeling or understanding. The choice often depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.