seems ever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems ever" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express a continuous or ongoing perception, but it is better to use it with more context for clarity. Example: "In this ever-changing world, it seems ever more important to adapt quickly."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the crisis seems ever more real.

The Economist

And it seems ever further away.

The Guardian

Five meanwhile seems ever more peripheral.

The Guardian

But such an exception seems ever more rare.

The New York Times

Correction to this articleA MESSY end to Greece's debt crisis seems ever more plausible.

The Economist

But under Mr Chávez's rule, such snobbery seems ever more out of date.

The Economist

It seems ever clearer that Peyton Manning will not play for the Colts next season.

The New York Times

The impulse to connect with and repackage the past seems ever present.

Independent

Now an aggressive focus on the economy seems ever more likely.

The Economist

But it seems ever more possible that the country will drop the off-field ball.

The Economist

This is so interesting because it seems ever so slightly... unstable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seems ever", ensure the context clearly indicates an ongoing or intensifying trend. For improved readability, consider alternatives like "appears increasingly".

Common error

Avoid using "seems ever" excessively in formal writing, as it can sound redundant. Instead, use more concise alternatives like "increasingly" or "continually" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems ever" functions as a qualifier, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a continuous or increasing state. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it implies an ongoing perception or trend. This is seen across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems ever" is a phrase used to express an ongoing or intensifying perception, most frequently in news and media contexts. While acceptable, Ludwig AI and expert analysis suggests that alternatives like "appears increasingly" or "seems increasingly" might offer greater clarity and grammatical precision. Ludwig's examples highlight its common usage in reputable sources, but writers should be mindful of potential redundancy and choose more concise phrasing when appropriate. Although there is nothing wrong in using it, there are better options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems increasingly

Similar to the original, but replacing 'ever' with 'increasingly' for greater clarity.

seems more and more

Highlights the gradual increase in the feeling or perception.

appears increasingly

Focuses on the growing appearance of something.

appears more and more

Emphasizes the progressive nature of the appearance.

is becoming increasingly

Focuses on the process of something becoming more apparent.

is continually

Stresses the ongoing and uninterrupted nature.

is progressively

Emphasizes a continuous or step-by-step progression.

is constantly

Highlights the continuous and persistent nature.

is steadily

Indicates a consistent and gradual development.

gives the impression of being perpetually

Expresses a lasting and continuous impression.

FAQs

What does "seems ever" mean?

"Seems ever" suggests a continuous or ongoing perception, implying that something appears to be increasingly true or present. However, it's often clearer and more impactful to use alternatives like "appears increasingly" or "seems increasingly".

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

You can use "seems ever" to describe a trend or a growing perception. For example: "The problem seems ever more complex." However, consider whether a more direct phrase like "is becoming increasingly" complex might be more effective.

Is "seems ever" grammatically correct?

While "seems ever" is used, particularly in news and media, it's not universally accepted as grammatically ideal. Alternatives like "appears more and more" or "seems more and more" are often considered more grammatically sound and clearer.

What are some alternatives to "seems ever"?

Some alternatives to "seems ever" include "appears increasingly", "seems increasingly", "is becoming increasingly", and "is steadily". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.