seems unfinished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems unfinished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that appears to lack completion or resolution, such as a story, project, or thought. Example: "The manuscript feels like it seems unfinished, leaving the reader wanting more closure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Our education, and hers, seems unfinished.

The New Yorker

But the play still seems unfinished.

The New York Times

But it seems unfinished in ways that should be examined.

The New York Times - Arts

It looks nothing like his other work, and seems unfinished.

The New York Times

"Because Africa seems unfinished and so different from the rest of the world, a landscape on which a person can sketch a new personality, it attracts mythomaniacs," he wrote, arguing that Africa needs to cultivate its own saviors.

The New York Times

As an action and strategy gangland simulation, Godfather II entices and frustrates, marrying an ambitious, innovative design with a final execution that seems unfinished in both quality and size.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Graphical and sound elements seem unfinished.

The New York Times

A few of the works seem unfinished, adding to the feeling of unrealized ambition.

The New York Times

Dean Moss and Ryutaro Mishima's "States and Resemblance" did seem unfinished, but it had a resonance and coherence that set it apart.

The New York Times - Arts

This one does seem unfinished, though: it draws heavily on Mr. Boulez's sense of sonority and on the contrast between rapid bursts of sound and sustained lines, but the completed sections don't have the dynamism of the Second Sonata.

The New York Times

My life seemed unfinished; I couldn't die.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seems unfinished" to critique a work, be specific about what aspects feel incomplete. Provide constructive feedback rather than simply stating the work is lacking.

Common error

Avoid using "seems unfinished" as a generic criticism. Instead, pinpoint the specific elements that contribute to the feeling of incompletion, such as plot holes, underdeveloped characters, or missing information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems unfinished" functions as a linking verb + adjective construction. It connects the subject with a descriptive adjective, indicating a perceived state of incompletion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems unfinished" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express that something gives the impression of being incomplete. As Ludwig AI validated, it is commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Arts. To use this phrase effectively, be specific about what aspects contribute to the feeling of incompletion and consider alternatives like "appears incomplete" or "feels incomplete" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears incomplete

Focuses on the visual aspect of being not fully formed.

looks unresolved

Emphasizes the lack of resolution or conclusion.

feels incomplete

Highlights the subjective perception of something lacking completion.

has an unfinished quality

Highlights the characteristic of being not fully finished.

gives the impression of being incomplete

More formal and explicit about the impression conveyed.

remains unfinalized

Highlights the lack of a final version or decision.

is seemingly uncompleted

Focuses on the appearance of not being brought to a finish.

presents as unrefined

Suggests a lack of polish or refinement.

projects an image of incompletion

Focuses on the image that is conveyed to an outside party

comes across as rudimentary

Suggests a basic or underdeveloped state.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems unfinished" to describe something that appears to lack completion or resolution. For example: "The project "seems unfinished", requiring further development."

What can I say instead of "seems unfinished"?

You can use alternatives like "appears incomplete", "looks unresolved", or "feels incomplete" depending on the context.

Is "seems unfinished" grammatically correct?

Yes, "seems unfinished" is grammatically correct. "Seems" is a linking verb, and "unfinished" is an adjective describing the subject.

What's the difference between "seems unfinished" and "is unfinished"?

"Seems unfinished" implies a subjective impression or appearance of incompletion, while "is unfinished" is a more direct statement of fact. "Seems unfinished" suggests that it looks that way, "is unfinished" states that it is actually that way.