seems to matter

USAGE SUMMARY

'seems to matter' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone or something is important. For example: "What you think seems to matter to her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing seems to matter.

The Economist

Everything seems to matter so much less.

The Guardian

Nothing else seems to matter, except guacamole.

The New Yorker

Education also seems to matter.

Harvard University

It never seems to matter.

The New York Times - Sports

It scarcely seems to matter.

The New York Times - Magazine

It hardly seems to matter.

The New York Times - Food

None of this seems to matter.

The Washington Post

Not that this seems to matter.

The Guardian - Travel

The subject matter seems to matter more.

The Guardian - Arts

But none of that seems to matter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seems to matter", ensure the context clearly indicates whose perspective is being presented. The phrase implies a degree of subjectivity, so clarity is essential for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid overusing "seems to matter" in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less authoritative than more direct statements of importance. Consider stronger verbs or more definitive phrasing to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems to matter" functions as a qualifying statement, indicating perceived importance or relevance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems to matter" is a versatile phrase used to indicate perceived importance or relevance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for general use, writers should consider the level of subjectivity implied and opt for more direct language when definitive statements are necessary. When deciding on a similar expression, consider alternatives such as "is of importance" or "holds significance", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. The choice ultimately depends on the specific context and the message you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has importance

A direct synonym, simply stating that something possesses importance.

is of importance

A slightly more formal way of stating that something is important.

is significant

Emphasizes the noteworthiness or importance of something.

is relevant

Focuses on the pertinence or applicability of something to a specific context.

bears relevance

Similar to "is relevant" but with a slightly more formal tone.

appears to be important

Replaces "seems" with "appears", emphasizing the perception of importance rather than a definitive statement.

holds significance

Highlights the meaningful aspect of something, suggesting it carries weight or importance.

carries weight

Implies that something has influence or importance in a particular situation.

is of consequence

Uses a more formal tone to convey importance or significance.

is all that counts

Highlights that something is the only thing that matters, focusing on exclusivity.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems to matter" to express that something is important or significant to someone or in a particular situation. For example, "His opinion "seems to matter" to her a great deal".

What phrases are similar to "seems to matter"?

Alternatives to "seems to matter" include "is relevant", "is of importance", or "holds significance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "seems to matter" or "is important"?

While both are correct, "is important" is more direct and assertive. "Seems to matter" implies a degree of subjectivity or uncertainty. Use "is important" when you want to state something definitively.

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

"Seems to matter" and "appears to be important" are very similar. "Seems" suggests an impression based on some evidence, while "appears" suggests a more visual or superficial assessment. The difference is often subtle and context-dependent.