seems to have

USAGE SUMMARY

"seems to have" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing the opinion that something is probably true based on evidence that you have seen. For example: "She seems to have a lot of friends here."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He seems to have overreached.

The Economist

One seems to have occurred.

The New Yorker

It seems to have worked.

The New York Times - Arts

Neither seems to have worked.

The Economist

He seems to have managed.

The New York Times

That seems to have changed.

The Economist

She seems to have failed.

The Economist

He seems to have forgotten.

The New York Times

Tranquillity seems to have returned.

The New York Times

He seems to have allies.

The Economist

Bayliss seems to have that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seems to have", ensure that the subject and verb agree in number. For example, "He seems to have finished" (singular) versus "They seem to have finished" (plural).

Common error

Avoid using "seems to have" when you have definitive proof. Overusing it can undermine your credibility by suggesting uncertainty where none exists. Instead, use direct statements when the evidence is conclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems to have" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a degree of possibility or likelihood based on available evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for expressing opinions grounded in observable facts or indications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems to have" is a versatile phrase used to express an opinion or conclusion based on evidence that isn't definitive. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It's commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, making it suitable for various registers. Remember to use it when you want to express a reasoned assessment without overstating the facts. Alternatives like "appears to have" or suggests that can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears to have

Changes the verb from "seems" to "appears", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it seems likely that

Explicitly states the likelihood of the event or situation.

suggests that

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on the implication or suggestion of evidence.

indicates that

Similar to "suggests that", but emphasizes the pointing-to or indication of something.

it would appear that

Adds a level of formality and distance to the observation.

it is plausible that

Emphasizes the plausibility of a scenario or event.

one might infer that

Introduces the idea of inference based on available information.

it can be deduced that

Highlights the deductive reasoning process.

it's reasonable to think

This alternative emphasizes the reasonability of the conclusion.

we can assume that

Indicates that you are making an assumption based on the information available.

FAQs

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

Use "seems to have" to express an opinion or conclusion based on available evidence, indicating a degree of uncertainty. For example, "He "seems to have forgotten" his keys" suggests that you believe he forgot his keys, but you are not entirely certain.

What are some alternatives to "seems to have"?

Alternatives include "appears to have", suggests that, or indicates that. The best alternative depends on the specific context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

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

Yes, "seems to have" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to express an opinion or conclusion without absolute certainty. It's a good way to maintain a neutral tone and avoid making unsupported claims.

What's the difference between "seems to have" and "appears to have"?

The phrases "seems to have" and "appears to have" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. "Appears" might suggest a slightly more visual or observable basis for the conclusion, but the difference is often negligible.