seems to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems to think" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing someone's apparent belief or opinion about something, often implying uncertainty or subjectivity. Example: "She seems to think that the project will be completed ahead of schedule, but I'm not so sure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

America seems to think so.

The Economist

The stockmarket seems to think so.

The Economist

The Discovery Channel seems to think so.

The New York Times - Arts

Their creator seems to think so.

The New Yorker

Mr Arzalluz seems to think so.

The Economist

Mr. Trump seems to think so.

The New York Times

President Clinton seems to think so.

The Economist

Saldana seems to think in animal terms.

Independent

Andresen seems to think so, too.

The New Yorker

"The West seems to think we are.

The New York Times

Almqvist seems to think so.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "seems to think" with qualifying adverbs (e.g., "certainly", "probably") to fine-tune the degree of confidence you want to express.

Common error

While "seems to think" is acceptable, overusing it can make your writing sound less assertive. In formal contexts, consider stronger verbs or more direct statements when the evidence supports it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems to think" functions as an epistemic marker, indicating a speaker's assessment or inference about someone else's thoughts or beliefs. It is used to express an opinion or assumption, often with a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems to think" is a versatile phrase used to express an inference about someone's thoughts, conveying a degree of uncertainty or interpretation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, this expression serves to communicate a nuanced understanding of others' perspectives. When writing, consider using stronger verbs in formal contexts. Alternatives like "appears to believe" can provide similar meanings. Overall, "seems to think" is a valuable tool for expressing nuanced opinions, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems to believe

Very similar in meaning, directly replacing "think" with "believe".

appears to believe

Suggests a slightly more formal and observational tone compared to "seems to think".

appears to consider

Focuses more on a deliberate act of considering something, rather than a general belief.

it would seem that

Introduces a degree of detachment and observation, presenting a situation as it appears to be.

one might assume

Emphasizes the act of making an assumption, often with a hint of uncertainty.

it's reasonable to assume

Suggests that there's a logical basis for the assumption being made.

one could speculate

Highlights the speculative nature of the thought or opinion.

it suggests that

Shifts the focus to what something implies, rather than a direct thought process.

it implies that

Similar to "it suggests that", emphasizing the indirect nature of the communication.

as far as one can tell

Indicates a reliance on available information, suggesting potential limitations in knowledge.

FAQs

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

Use "seems to think" to express what you believe someone's opinion or thought process to be, often based on observation. For example, "She "seems to think" the project will be easy, but it's quite complex."

What can I say instead of "seems to think"?

You can use alternatives like "appears to believe", "seems to believe", or "appears to consider" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "seems to think"?

"Seems to think" is suitable when you want to express an inference about someone's thought process without stating it as a definite fact. It's useful when you have some evidence, but not complete certainty.

What's the difference between "seems to think" and "believes"?

"Believes" indicates a confirmed state of mind, while ""seems to think"" implies an observation or inference about someone's likely belief, often with a degree of uncertainty. You're interpreting their actions or words to suggest a belief.