seems true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems true" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a belief or perception about the validity of a statement or situation, often indicating uncertainty. Example: "Based on the evidence presented, it seems true that the theory holds merit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That, again, seems true.

The New Yorker

That seems true.

The New Yorker

The opposite also seems true.

The New York Times

That seems true enough.

The New York Times

Now years later, this seems true.

The New Yorker

This seems true enough, but too vague.

The New York Times

Yet Tom Hayden's observation still seems true.

The New Yorker

But that no longer seems true.

The Economist

If anything, the opposite seems true.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

That seemed true even before Bowie's death, and it seems truer now.

The New Yorker

A description that seems truer now than ever.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "seems true" with a qualifier to add nuance. For instance, "that seems true, to some extent" or "that seems true, but only in certain situations".

Common error

Avoid using "seems true" as a standalone statement without offering any supporting evidence or reasoning. Always provide some context or explanation for why something appears to be true, or it risks sounding dismissive or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems true" functions as a linking phrase or qualifier, connecting a statement with an expression of perceived validity. It suggests a degree of agreement or acceptance, but it may not denote absolute certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seems true" is a versatile and frequently used expression for conveying a sense of agreement or perceived validity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and widely applicable, it's best used with context and qualifiers to avoid ambiguity. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, the phrase functions as a linking device, subtly endorsing statements while acknowledging potential uncertainties. Consider alternatives like "appears to be true" or "that rings true" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "seems true" judiciously to provide context and support your assertions effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that seems accurate

Replaces "true" with a synonym implying precision.

that seems correct

Replaces "true" with a synonym implying factual accuracy.

appears to be true

Slightly more formal and emphasizes visual appearance of being true.

that appears to be correct

Adds emphasis on correctness.

appears to be the case

More formal and emphasizes the visual or observational aspect of the truth.

that holds true

Focuses on the enduring or consistent nature of the truth.

that rings true

Emphasizes the intuitive or emotional sense of truth.

it would appear that

More tentative and suggests a conclusion based on available evidence.

it looks like that's the case

More informal and conversational.

that checks out

Informal, implying verification or confirmation.

FAQs

How can I use "seems true" in a sentence?

You can use "seems true" to express agreement with a statement or idea, while acknowledging that it might not be absolutely certain. For example, "That "seems true", based on the available evidence."

What can I say instead of "seems true"?

You can use alternatives like "appears to be true", "that rings true", or "that seems accurate" depending on the context.

Is "seems true" formal or informal?

"Seems true" is generally considered neutral in formality. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives like "appears to be the case" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

Which is correct, "seems true" or "seemingly true"?

Both "seems true" and "seemingly true" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Seems true" indicates a subjective impression of truth, while "seemingly true" suggests an objective appearance of truth. "That "seems true" to me" versus "That is "seemingly true" based on the data."