seems exceptional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems exceptional" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that appears to be outstanding or remarkable in some way. Example: "The performance of the team this season seems exceptional, surpassing all expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The normal seems exceptional – free education, the rule of law, a relatively uncorrupted democracy, liberal traditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nazism, he says, no longer seems exceptional, as once it did.

The Guardian - Books

Herodotus understood, to a degree that seems exceptional for his time, that he was living in a globalised era.

The Guardian - Books

But into the Wheelers' lives comes much that is not good, even if no single visitation seems exceptional enough to render the whole unsurvivable.

The New York Times - Books

The person I find sitting in a pub an hour outside Dublin seems exceptional, even at first sight, in a number of less fearsome ways.

The Guardian - Film

This rash of strikes, he argues, only seems exceptional because of their recent rarity.Still, while the disruption may be small in comparison with the upheavals of the 1970s and 1980s, it is far from negligible.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Why should it seem exceptional, or an exception to the rule?

Vice

These seemed "exceptional circumstances".

The Guardian - Opinion

When Fenway Park opened in 1912, it didn't seem exceptional.

The New York Times - Books

Another contemporary remembers that "Emma always seemed exceptional.

The Guardian - Film

The worse Fox behaved, the more Kelly seemed exceptional.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems exceptional" to describe qualities that are noticeably above average or beyond the ordinary. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, adding a nuanced observation about perceived excellence.

Common error

Avoid using "seems exceptional" when the situation clearly warrants a stronger, more definitive descriptor. Overusing it can dilute its impact, especially when describing truly remarkable events or achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems exceptional" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It expresses an opinion or observation that something gives the impression of being outstanding or unusual. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to describe qualities that appear to be above average.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Books

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems exceptional" is a useful phrase for expressing an opinion that something appears to be above average or unusual. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and book-related content. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in situations that demand stronger or more definitive language. Consider alternatives like "appears remarkable" or "is apparently extraordinary" based on the context and the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears remarkable

Replaces "seems" with "appears" for a slightly more formal tone and "exceptional" with "remarkable" maintaining similar meaning.

is apparently extraordinary

Uses "apparently" to indicate that the exceptional quality is evident and "extraordinary" instead of "exceptional".

presents as outstanding

Uses "presents as" instead of "seems", and "outstanding" instead of "exceptional", indicating a notable quality.

gives an impression of being extraordinary

Employs a more descriptive phrasing, emphasizing the impression created by something exceptional.

projects a sense of uniqueness

Focuses on the unique quality of something that seems exceptional, using "projects" to suggest an outward display.

strikes one as singular

Uses "strikes one as" to convey the impression and "singular" to highlight the unique nature.

creates an image of being unparalleled

Highlights the unparalleled quality of something that seems exceptional, using "creates an image" to emphasize the impression.

has the aura of being unmatched

Focuses on the unmatched aura of something that seems exceptional.

looks particularly impressive

Replaces "seems exceptional" with a more straightforward description of something looking impressive.

conveys a feeling of distinction

Emphasizes the feeling of distinction that something exceptional conveys.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems exceptional" to describe something that appears to be outstanding or unusual. For example, "Her dedication to the project "seems exceptional", given the challenges involved".

What are some alternatives to "seems exceptional"?

Alternatives include "appears remarkable", "presents as outstanding", or "is apparently extraordinary". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "seems exceptional" or "is exceptional"?

"Seems exceptional" implies an observation based on available evidence, while "is exceptional" is a stronger assertion of fact. Use "seems exceptional" when you want to express a judgment based on appearance or initial assessment. If you are certain that the subject is above average it may be best to say "is exceptional".

What's the difference between "seems exceptional" and "seems unique"?

"Seems exceptional" implies that something appears to be above average in quality or performance. "Seems unique" implies that something appears to be unlike anything else. The phrases emphasize different qualities. A painting "seems unique" while a musical performance "seems exceptional".