seems legitimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems legitimate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be valid or credible based on the information available. Example: "The proposal we received seems legitimate, but we should conduct further research before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Suddenly it seems legitimate to want your own money.

The Guardian

Despite what seems to me an obvious appeal, however, it seems legitimate to wonder, why Yiddish?

The New Yorker

Given that attitude, it seems legitimate to call his work quasi art.

The New York Times - Arts

But now it seems legitimate, and the band has even rolled out a fancy multimedia site to promote the release.

The New Yorker

Still, it seems legitimate to ask if any company, no matter how extraordinary, should trade at such sky-high multiples.

The New York Times

One judge seems legitimate to Trump: the one whose name he has put forward for the Supreme Court.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

It seemed legitimate to her.

The New York Times

"You seem legitimate".

The New York Times - Magazine

That seemed legitimate.

The New Yorker

Making a strong statement "seemed legitimate at that moment".

The New York Times

The SNP's hue and cry against Mr Carmichael may seem legitimate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating information, use "seems legitimate" to express an initial assessment, but always follow up with thorough verification.

Common error

Avoid using "seems legitimate" as a final judgment. It indicates a preliminary assessment, not a conclusive determination. Always investigate further to confirm the legitimacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems legitimate" functions as a subject complement, linking the subject to a description of its apparent validity or credibility. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to express an initial assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seems legitimate" is a versatile expression used to convey an initial impression of validity or credibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various domains, particularly in news, science, and business. While it is acceptable in formal writing, remember that this assessment is preliminary and requires further verification to ensure accuracy and prevent misjudgment. Consider using alternatives like "appears valid" or "looks credible" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears valid

Focuses on the validity aspect, suggesting something meets the required criteria.

looks credible

Emphasizes believability and trustworthiness in appearance.

sounds plausible

Highlights the surface-level believability of something, often in arguments or explanations.

presents as valid

More formal; emphasizes how something is presented or perceived.

has the appearance of validity

A longer, more descriptive phrase stressing outward appearance.

bears the hallmarks of credibility

Highlights the identifying characteristics of credibility.

projects an image of legitimacy

Focuses on the deliberate creation of a legitimate image.

suggests authenticity

Emphasizes the genuine quality that something conveys.

conveys an impression of validity

Focuses on the conveyed impression rather than the actual state.

passes the initial test of legitimacy

Implies a preliminary assessment of legitimacy.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems legitimate" to describe something that initially appears valid or credible, such as "The website "seems legitimate", but I'll verify its sources before making a purchase".

What are some alternatives to "seems legitimate"?

Alternatives include "appears valid", "looks credible", or "sounds plausible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "seems legitimate" in formal writing?

Yes, "seems legitimate" is acceptable in formal writing to express a preliminary assessment, but ensure it's followed by further investigation or qualification. For example, "The proposal "seems legitimate" upon initial review, warranting further analysis".

What does "seems legitimate" imply?

"Seems legitimate" implies that something has the appearance of being valid or credible based on initial observation, but it doesn't guarantee its actual validity. It suggests the need for further scrutiny.