seems intact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems intact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that appears to be whole or undamaged. Example: "After the storm, the old barn seems intact, with no visible damage to its structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

(What tween doesn't need rejuvenating curl spray?) Her appeal seems intact.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, the Mugabe government's ability to clamp down on dissent seems intact.

The New York Times

The idyll of the Caracas Country Club, a bastion of opulence for Venezuela's elite, still seems intact.

The New York Times

The political will to keep France's capacity to project military power seems intact, even if the means are more squeezed than ever.

The Economist

Yet it is remarkable how much of his voice seems intact, though to know for sure we will have to wait until he comes to the Metropolitan Opera in January for "Aida".

The New York Times - Arts

The utterly unapologetic gore of the earlier games seems intact -- you still get extra credit for creative kills -- but I don't recall its predecessors hitting so close to the heart.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The Giants' season seemed intact.

The New York Times - Sports

Will spoke clearly, and his memory seemed intact.

The New York Times - Sports

Much of the artistry seemed intact, but sonority and control were often not.

The New York Times

When he came home he seemed intact, but it soon became clear that his psyche was in shreds.

The New York Times

The tower where the gate had been seemed intact but the rest of the structure looked unfamiliar.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems intact" when describing the apparent state of something that has potentially been subjected to damage or alteration, but appears to have remained whole or functional. This is especially helpful when a closer inspection is required to assess real conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "seems intact" as a placeholder for more descriptive language. Instead of saying "the painting seems intact" consider specifying what aspects look good: "the painting's colors are still vibrant and the canvas hasn't ripped, so it looks well-preserved".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems intact" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It describes the apparent condition of something, indicating that it appears to be whole, undamaged, or functioning as expected. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a usable english phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

39%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seems intact" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI. It expresses the idea that something visually or superficially gives the impression of being whole, undamaged, or unaltered. While versatile, writers should aim to incorporate more specific descriptions to avoid overusing it as a generic placeholder. It is commonly found in contexts such as "News & Media" and "Science" sources. Alternatives such as "appears undamaged", or "remains whole", offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. The phrase is appropriate for neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears undamaged

Emphasizes the lack of visible harm or damage.

seems undamaged

Highlights the apparent absence of damage.

looks untouched

Suggests a state of being unaltered or undisturbed.

remains whole

Highlights the completeness and absence of fragmentation.

appears functional

Focuses on the apparent ability to perform its intended function.

looks sound

Implies good condition and structural integrity.

remains unaffected

Indicates that something has not been impacted by external forces or changes.

looks unaffected

Implies that something has resisted modifications.

appears unchanged

Suggests a lack of alterations or modifications.

remains in good condition

Focuses on the state of preservation and quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems intact" to describe something that appears to be whole or undamaged after a potentially damaging event. For instance, "After the fire, the building's facade "seems intact", but a structural engineer needs to assess the stability".

What are some alternatives to "seems intact"?

Alternatives include "appears undamaged", "looks untouched", or "remains whole", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "seems intact" or "is intact"?

"Seems intact" implies a visual assessment without a thorough examination, whereas "is intact" suggests a confirmed state of wholeness. For example, "The package "seems intact", but I'll check the contents" versus "The seal "is intact", so the product hasn't been tampered with".

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

While both phrases are similar, "appears intact" suggests a slightly more visual or superficial observation, while "seems intact" can incorporate a broader impression based on multiple factors, not just visual. "The device "appears intact" at first glance." vs "The device "seems intact", based on my initial tests."