seems unjust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems unjust" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a perception or opinion that something appears to be unfair or not right. Example: "The decision to cut funding for the arts program seems unjust, considering its positive impact on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Geithner told me, "It seems unjust.

The New Yorker

The political use of our story seems unjust...

The New Yorker

The result is high camp meets deep chill, and seems unjust to both.

The Economist

So it seems unjust that they have no say in the party that governs them.

The Guardian

Other experts say the current system of awarding gene patents seems unjust.

The New York Times

Such wordiness seems unjust to Firth, who is perfectly capable of showing any congestion of spirit by body language alone.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

This seemed unjust to me.

The Guardian

This was hardly a disaster but still seemed unjust.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Barkan admits that there will always be anomalies, and these in themselves can seem unjust.

The Economist

Unless we are fully responsible, it might seem unjust to blame people for their actions.

The Guardian

And to question decisions which seem unjust … "The family courts no longer operate in the dark, as of yesterday".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems unjust" to express a subjective assessment rather than a definitive judgment. This acknowledges potential complexities and differing perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "seems unjust" when definitive proof of injustice exists. Stronger, more direct language is appropriate when injustice is factual, not merely perceived.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems unjust" functions as an evaluative expression. It introduces a subjective assessment, indicating that something appears unfair or inequitable. As Ludwig AI shows, it is frequently used in contexts where a situation is being critically examined.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems unjust" is a versatile phrase used to express a perception of unfairness or inequity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse sources like news articles and academic texts. While conveying subjective opinions, using "seems unjust" is best suited to neutral or slightly formal contexts, allowing room for balanced perspectives. Alternatives like "appears unfair" or "seems unfair" provide similar meanings, but "seems unjust" is more appropriate when you want to express your opinion without explicitly stating that something is definitively unjust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems unfair

A direct synonym, replacing "unjust" with "unfair" for broader accessibility.

appears to be unjust

Adds a level of formality and removes ambiguity.

appears unfair

Focuses on the appearance of unfairness rather than a judgment of injustice.

is apparently unjust

Indicates that injustice is evident based on available information.

is seemingly unfair

Emphasizes that unfairness is perceived, not necessarily factual.

appears inequitable

Highlights the lack of equity or balance.

looks unjust

Uses a more casual verb to convey the perceived injustice.

presents as unjust

Highlights how the situation is perceived or presented to others.

strikes as unfair

Emphasizes the immediate and personal feeling of unfairness.

gives the impression of injustice

Focuses on the perception created, rather than stating injustice as fact.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems unjust" to express an opinion about something that appears unfair or inequitable. For example, "It "seems unjust" that some students have access to better resources than others."

What are some alternatives to "seems unjust"?

Alternatives include "appears unfair", "seems unfair", or "appears to be unjust". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "seems unjust" or "is unjust"?

"Seems unjust" indicates a subjective assessment, while "is unjust" asserts a definitive fact. Use ""seems unjust"" when you're expressing an opinion based on available information, not stating a proven fact.

Can "seems unjust" be used in formal writing?

Yes, ""seems unjust"" is appropriate for formal writing, as it conveys a measured opinion rather than an absolute judgment. However, consider stronger language if the context warrants a more assertive tone.