seems tall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems tall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's height in a way that suggests uncertainty or subjectivity. Example: "From this angle, he seems tall, but I can't be sure without seeing him up close."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. Stern is a short, trim man, and yet he always seems tall.

The New York Times

I know he seems tall on TV, but he's even taller in person.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He seems taller than everyone else in the room.

The New Yorker

Randy Johnson is 39, listed at 6-foot-10 (though he seems taller), 232 pounds and built like a stick figure.

The New York Times - Magazine

He's only around five feet eight, but he seems taller, because he stands with his chest out and his back straight, as if held up by a string.

The New Yorker

I can say, for starters, he seems taller than seven feet.

Huffington Post

Situation the fillet with the shorter edges at the top and bottom, so that the fillet seems taller rather than wider.

WikiHow

The 6-foot-6 Querrey said Karlovic seemed "tall, but just another guy out there".

The New York Times - Sports

The son seemed tall, too, but you couldn't really say for sure, as he was confined to a wheelchair.

The New Yorker

The Macoutes had a synchronized look, a coarse veneer that made the thin ones seem stocky, the short ones seem tall.

The New Yorker

I took my uncle to father-daughter night at school, and I viewed the fathers of my friends with some skepticism — they seemed tall and vapid, much less dynamic than the mothers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems tall" when you want to express an observation about someone's height that is not definitive but based on appearance or impression. This is useful when you don't have exact measurements or when height is perceived rather than absolute.

Common error

Avoid using "seems tall" when you have precise height information. Instead of saying "He seems tall, he is 6'5"", use "He is 6'5"", which is a definite statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems tall" functions as a descriptive phrase where "seems" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "tall". It describes an apparent quality rather than a confirmed fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seems tall" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe someone giving an impression of height. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is suitable for use in written English, especially where exact measurements are unavailable or irrelevant. It’s most commonly found in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "appears tall" or "looks tall" exist, "seems tall" provides a balanced, subjective assessment of height.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears tall

Focuses on the visual impression of height.

looks tall

Emphasizes a superficial observation of height.

gives the impression of being tall

Highlights the creation of a specific perception.

is perceived as tall

Highlights subjective interpretation of height by observers.

presents as tall

Suggests a deliberate display or presentation of height.

projects a tall image

Focuses on the perceived image or persona related to height.

registers as tall

Suggests a measurable or quantifiable perception of height.

conveys tallness

Focuses on communicating a sense of height through appearance.

has a tall stature

Emphasizes overall physical build and height.

exudes height

Implies an inherent quality or characteristic of height.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems tall" to describe someone whose height is noticeable but not precisely measured, such as, "Even sitting down, he seems tall."

What are some alternatives to "seems tall"?

Alternatives include "appears tall", "looks tall", or "is perceived as tall". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the impression of height.

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

"Is tall" is more appropriate when you know the person's height or are making a definitive statement. "Seems tall" is used when you are making an observation based on appearance or impression.

What does it mean when someone "seems tall"?

When someone "seems tall", it means they give the impression of being taller than average, even if their actual height isn't precisely known or if other factors contribute to the perception.