seems like

USAGE SUMMARY

"seems like" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something looks or appears to be true based on the information you have. For example, "It seems like our team is going to win this game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems like ages.

The New Yorker

It seems like yesterday.

Independent

"That seems like overkill.

The New Yorker

Sure seems like it.

The New York Times

It seems like madness.

The Economist

It seems like life.

The New York Times - Arts

It seems like it.

The New Yorker

It seems like theft.

The New Yorker

It seems like animated debate".

Independent

This seems like wishful thinking.

The New York Times

It seems like common sense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems like" to convey a tentative or subjective assessment, especially when you lack complete information. For example, "It seems like a good idea, but we should research it further."

Common error

In academic or professional writing, avoid relying heavily on "seems like". Opt for more precise alternatives such as "appears to be" or "suggests" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems like" primarily functions as a linking phrase or qualifier, softening statements and indicating a degree of uncertainty or subjective assessment. It connects a subject with an attribute or condition, implying that something is perceived in a particular way, but not necessarily definitively so. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems like" is a versatile phrase used to express an impression, tentative conclusion, or subjective assessment. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it is generally considered neutral to informal in tone and should be used judiciously in formal writing, where more precise alternatives might be preferred. The wide range of examples provided by Ludwig underscores its common usage and varied applications across different contexts. Bear in mind that even if it is deemed correct, a careful writer should evaluate the alternatives such as appears to be to avoid sounding repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears to be

More formal alternative, suggesting a more objective observation.

it suggests that

Implies evidence is pointing towards a conclusion.

gives the impression of

Focuses on the subjective feeling or perception created.

it implies that

Focuses on indirect communication.

looks as if

More informal and visual, implying a direct visual comparison.

it strikes me as

More personal, expressing a subjective feeling or opinion.

it would appear that

Formal and cautious, adding a layer of uncertainty.

it comes across as

Emphasizes the perceived quality of something.

one might think

Suggests a possible conclusion, open to interpretation.

as far as I can tell

Indicates the statement is based on limited personal knowledge.

FAQs

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

"Seems like" is used to express an impression or tentative conclusion. For example, "It seems like it's going to rain today" or "That seems like a difficult task".

What are some alternatives to "seems like"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "appears to be", "suggests that", or "gives the impression of" instead of "seems like".

Is it appropriate to use "seems like" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "seems like" can sound informal. In formal writing, consider more precise and professional alternatives such as "appears to be" or "it suggests that".

What's the difference between "seems like" and "is like"?

"Seems like" indicates a tentative assessment or impression, while "is like" implies a comparison or analogy. For example, "This situation seems like a problem" suggests uncertainty, while "This situation is like a puzzle" draws a direct comparison.