seems not

USAGE SUMMARY

'seems not' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to talk about a situation that appears to be untrue or incorrect. For example, "It seemed like the best logical decision, but it seems not to have been the right one".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

No, it seems not.

The Guardian

But it seems not.

The Economist

It seems not.

The New York Times - Arts

The commission seems not to.

The Economist

The fear seems not unfounded.

The New York Times

Well, it seems not.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It seemed not.

The Economist

These all seem not unreasonable".

The New Yorker

"Everything seemed not really normal".

The Guardian

She seemed not to notice.

The New Yorker

You seem not to hear.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems not" when you want to express a gentle disagreement or a tentative observation that something isn't as it appears. It's often more nuanced than a direct negation.

Common error

Avoid using "seems not" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes sound understated or less direct than alternatives like "does not appear to be" or "is not evident".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems not" primarily functions as a qualifier, indicating a tentative or hesitant negation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses that something does not obviously appear to be the case, offering a nuanced way to express doubt or disagreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

29%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems not" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to express a tentative or hesitant negation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it suggests that something does not appear to be the case, often implying a gentle disagreement or cautious qualification. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone, as it might be less direct than alternatives in formal writing. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, science, and academic contexts. Alternatives such as "does not appear to be" or "appears unlikely" offer more direct or emphatic ways to express doubt. Overall, "seems not" is a useful tool for nuanced communication across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it does not seem to

Rephrases the original query using "it" as a subject, offering a slightly different construction.

does not appear to be

Emphasizes the lack of visible evidence or indication.

it would not appear to

Introduces a conditional tone, suggesting a tentative assessment.

is apparently not

Highlights a contrast between expectation and reality.

appears unlikely

Focuses on the probability of something happening or being true.

it is not obvious that

Highlights a lack of immediate or easy understanding.

would seem not to be

Adds a layer of speculation or uncertainty.

it is not evident that

Stresses the absence of clear proof or confirmation.

it is belied by

Implies a contradiction between appearance and reality, where the truth is the opposite of what "seems" to be the case.

it defies the impression of

Expresses that something challenges an initial or superficial appearance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "seems not" for clarity?

For increased clarity, consider alternatives like "does not appear to be", "is not evident", or "appears unlikely" depending on the specific context.

Is "seems not" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "seems not" might come across as less direct in formal contexts. Opt for stronger alternatives such as "it is not evident that" or "it is not obvious that".

What's a more emphatic way to say "seems not"?

For a stronger assertion, use phrases like "it is belied by" or "defies the impression of" to indicate a clear contradiction of initial appearances.

How does "seems not" differ from "does not seem"?

Both phrases express doubt, but "does not seem" is generally more common and neutral. "Seems not" can sometimes carry a slightly more understated or tentative tone, particularly in certain contexts.