seems to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"seems to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something appears to be true or certain, based on what you know or have observed. For example, "It seems to be raining outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or seems to be.

The New Yorker

Sure seems to be.

The New York Times

She seems to be trying.

The New York Times

It seems to be unanimity.

The Economist

Everyone seems to be laughing.

The New Yorker

It certainly seems to be.

Independent

GROUPON seems to be confused.

The Economist

It seems to be helping.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems to be working.

The New York Times

He seems to be, too.

The New York Times

This seems to be changing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems to be" to express an observation or conclusion that is not definitively proven but is supported by available evidence. For instance, "The economy seems to be recovering, based on recent job reports."

Common error

Avoid using "seems to be" excessively without offering supporting details or observations. Instead of simply stating "The project seems to be failing", provide context: "The project seems to be failing, as deadlines are consistently missed and team morale is low."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems to be" functions as a hedge, softening a statement by indicating a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity. It expresses an impression based on available information, rather than a definitive fact, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems to be" is a versatile phrase used to express an impression or observation that is not definitively proven. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's useful for softening statements and expressing uncertainty, it's important to provide supporting evidence and avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "appears to be" for a more formal tone or to convey a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears to be

Focuses on visual or observable evidence suggesting a particular state.

appears as though

Implies a stronger degree of uncertainty or speculation based on available evidence.

it would seem that

Adds a slightly more formal tone, suggesting a conclusion based on indirect evidence.

gives the impression of being

Emphasizes the subjective feeling or perception created.

presents itself as

Highlights how something is outwardly perceived, possibly contrasting with its true nature.

looks like it could be

A more casual and tentative expression of possibility.

is suggestive of

Indicates that something hints at or implies a certain condition or quality.

one might infer that

Highlights the act of drawing a conclusion based on reasoning or evidence.

can be interpreted as

Focuses on the potential for different understandings or viewpoints.

has the hallmarks of

Suggests that something exhibits typical characteristics associated with a particular type or category.

FAQs

How can I use "seems to be" in a sentence?

Use "seems to be" to express an impression or observation that may not be definitively proven. For example, "The weather "seems to be" improving" suggests the weather is likely getting better, based on current conditions.

What's a more formal alternative to "seems to be"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "appears to be" or "it would "seem that"". These options convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated level of formality.

How does ""seems to be"" differ from "is"?

"Seems to be" implies uncertainty or a lack of definitive proof, while "is" indicates a confirmed fact. Use ""seems to be"" when you're making an observation or inference rather than stating an absolute truth.

Can "seems to be" be used in academic writing?

Yes, ""seems to be"" is acceptable in academic writing when expressing a hypothesis or tentative conclusion. It's important, however, to support your claims with evidence and avoid overusing it without proper justification.