seems viable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'seems viable' is correct, and it is commonly used in written English.
It is used when you want to indicate that an option or solution may work, or is likely to work, based on the available evidence. For example, "This new approach to workplace safety seems viable, so we should give it a try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Suddenly, an electric car seems viable.

The New York Times

In 2006, maintaining the status quo no longer seems viable.

The New Yorker

For the Murdoch empire in England, a middle way no longer seems viable.

The New Yorker

However, the continuation of such a tiny population hardly seems viable.

The Guardian

The margin amount seems accommodating a 129% power-uprate seems viable.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

Founder and director Bob Taylor explained that the vast majority of business plans they receive are rejected as unsuitable, but when a proposition seems viable they will be signed up and given the opportunity to polish and publicise their investment.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The first passion fed an unmatched capacity to make heaven seem viable and dynamic.

The New York Times

Fringe success had made that career in outsider comedy seem viable – if still a distant prospect.

The Guardian

Their investments were such that the move seemed viable, as long as they lived modestly.

The New York Times

Two years ago, the idea of taking out $10,000 in ready credit would have seemed viable.

The New York Times

When Beady Eye announced their split last year, a Ride reunion suddenly seemed viable.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems viable" when you want to convey a sense of tentative possibility or potential, rather than absolute certainty. This acknowledges that while an option looks good, further investigation or events could change its prospects.

Common error

Avoid using "seems viable" when you actually have concrete evidence or proof. In such cases, stronger verbs like "is" or "has proven to be" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems viable" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject to a predicate adjective that describes its state or quality of being possible or workable. It softens a statement of possibility, indicating a degree of uncertainty or preliminary assessment. Ludwig confirms that it is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

45%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seems viable" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a tentative assessment of possibility or feasibility. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is often used in various contexts, including news, science, and professional settings. While "seems viable" is correct and commonly used, alternative phrases like "appears practical" or "looks promising" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to avoid overstating certainty and consider the context when using "seems viable" to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be feasible

Highlights the achievability of something, often in a logistical sense.

appears practical

Focuses on the practicality of something rather than just its possibility.

has prospects

Indicates that something has good future opportunities or chances of success.

looks promising

Highlights the positive outlook or potential for success.

warrants consideration

Suggests something is worthy of further thought or investigation due to its potential.

shows potential

Emphasizes the inherent capacity for development or success.

might just work

A more casual way of expressing that something has a chance of success.

presents a solution

Suggests a possible answer or way out of a problem.

is conceivable

Indicates that something is within the realm of possibility or imagination.

is a possibility

Simply states that something is possible without expressing an opinion on likelihood.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems viable" to express that something has a reasonable chance of success or is likely to work. For example, "The proposed solution "seems viable", but we need to test it further."

What are some alternatives to "seems viable"?

Alternatives to "seems viable" include "appears practical", "looks promising", or "shows potential", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "seems viable" or "is viable"?

"Seems viable" suggests a tentative assessment based on current information, whereas "is viable" asserts a more definitive judgment. Use "seems viable" when you want to acknowledge some uncertainty, and "is viable" when you are confident in your assessment.

What is the difference between "seems viable" and "appears viable"?

While both phrases are quite similar, "seems viable" might suggest a more intuitive assessment, whereas "appears viable" might imply a more evidence-based observation. In practice, the distinction is often subtle, and both are generally interchangeable.