seems that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'seems that' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to make an inference or to draw a conclusion based on the information provided. For example, "It seems that the rain has caused a power outage in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It seems that way".

The New York Times

It only seems that way.

The New York Times - Sports

"Seems that way," Lance said.

The New Yorker

It just seems that way.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems that isn't cheap enough.

The New York Times

Now, it seems, that day has come.

The New York Times - Health

But right now, it seems that way.

The New York Times - Sports

"It seems that way," Harris said.

The New York Times - Sports

— PAT BORZI It just seems that way.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Seems that almost everyone else does, though.

Forbes

It seems that Tony Blair agrees.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems that" when you want to convey an impression or inference based on available information, rather than stating a definitive fact.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "seems that" can make your writing appear less confident. In formal contexts, consider using stronger verbs like 'demonstrates', 'indicates', or 'proves' when the evidence is conclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems that" functions as an epistemic modal, indicating a degree of uncertainty or inference based on available information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a way of conveying an impression rather than a definitive statement. For example, 'It "seems that" the rain has stopped'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems that" is a versatile phrase used to express inferences or tentative conclusions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While appropriate across different contexts, it's essential to be mindful of the level of formality and consider stronger verbs for conclusive statements. The analysis reveals its frequent presence in news and media, academia, and science, indicating its widespread applicability. When aiming for confident and direct writing, especially in formal settings, explore alternative expressions like "appears that" or "indicates that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears that

Emphasizes a visual or observable aspect, suggesting something is evident based on what can be seen.

it would seem that

Adds a touch of tentativeness or speculation to the observation.

it is evident that

Highlights the clarity and obviousness of the conclusion.

it is likely that

Focuses on the probability or chance of something being true.

it suggests that

Implies that the evidence points towards a specific conclusion.

it indicates that

Highlights that something serves as a sign or signal of something else.

it can be inferred that

Emphasizes the process of drawing a conclusion based on reasoning.

it gives the impression that

Focuses on the subjective feeling or perception created.

one might conclude that

Offers a more formal and reasoned deduction.

the evidence suggests that

Stresses the role of available proof in reaching a conclusion.

FAQs

How to use "seems that" in a sentence?

"Seems that" is typically used to express an inference or deduction based on available evidence. For example, "It "seems that" the meeting has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances".

What can I say instead of "seems that"?

Alternatives to "seems that" include "appears that", "suggests that", or "indicates that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "seems that" or "seem that"?

"Seems that" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Seem that" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

Is "seems that" formal or informal?

"Seems that" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, stronger, more direct language may be preferable.