seems elusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems elusive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is difficult to grasp, understand, or achieve. Example: "The solution to the problem seems elusive, despite our best efforts to find it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

In Afghanistan, too, success still seems elusive.

The New York Times

There's a tranquillity that seems elusive, aspirational.

The New Yorker

In practice, such magic wear rate still seems elusive.

Wear

Justice seems elusive here because it is so plodding.

The New York Times

In jobs like those, the power of progress seems elusive.

Harvard Business Review

If Garland seems elusive, it is not entirely my imagination.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

But a deal seemed elusive.

The Economist

As the rancor deepens, solutions seem elusive.

The New York Times

Compromise seemed elusive, as did trust between the fractured nations.

Harvard University

But concrete strategies for generating a win-win negotiation contract often seem elusive.

Harvard University

His nickname made him seem elusive, a figment of her outsize fantasy life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "seems elusive"; ensure it aligns with the overall tone and intended meaning. Sometimes, a more direct phrase might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "seems elusive" in situations where the difficulty is obvious or trivial. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complicated. Opt for simpler language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems elusive" primarily functions as a linking verb plus an adjective, modifying a subject by ascribing to it the quality of being difficult to grasp, find, or achieve. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound expression. The examples show its ability to express subjectivity regarding a concept or object.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seems elusive" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that is difficult to grasp, achieve, or define. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It finds its most frequent use in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While versatile, writers should be mindful of overusing it in simple contexts where more direct language would suffice. Alternatives such as "appears unattainable" or "appears difficult to grasp" can be considered depending on the specific nuance desired. Remember that the phrase functions as a way to express a subjective observation about something lacking clarity or attainability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears unattainable

Focuses on the impossibility of reaching or achieving something.

appears difficult to grasp

Emphasizes the challenge in understanding or comprehending something.

appears hard to pin down

Highlights the difficulty in defining or specifying something precisely.

remains out of reach

Indicates that something continues to be inaccessible or unachievable.

continues to evade

Suggests that something actively avoids being caught or understood.

is proving difficult

Highlights the ongoing challenge and lack of ease.

defies easy definition

Emphasizes the complexity and resistance to a simple explanation.

escapes clear understanding

Focuses on the lack of a straightforward or obvious comprehension.

is not easily achieved

Highlights the effort and difficulty required to obtain something.

presents a challenge

Indicates the existence of obstacles and difficulties.

FAQs

What does "seems elusive" mean?

The phrase "seems elusive" means that something appears difficult to find, achieve, understand, or define. It implies that a clear or easy solution or explanation is not readily apparent.

What can I say instead of "seems elusive"?

You can use alternatives like "appears unattainable", "appears difficult to grasp", or "appears hard to pin down" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "seems elusive" in a sentence?

Use "seems elusive" when describing something that is hard to define, understand, or achieve. For example: "A clear solution to the problem "seems elusive", despite our best efforts."

Is "seemed elusive" grammatically correct?

Yes, "seemed elusive" is grammatically correct. It is the past tense form of ""seems elusive"" and is used to describe something that appeared difficult to grasp or achieve at a specific point in the past.