she seems to

USAGE SUMMARY

"she seems to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a way to express an opinion or observation about someone's actions or feelings. Here is an example: "She seems to be quite nervous about the upcoming presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She seems to be trying.

The New York Times

She seems to know everybody.

The New York Times

(She seems to get around).

The New York Times

She seems to be alone.

The New York Times

She seems to have failed.

The Economist

She seems to have enjoyed it too.

Independent

She seems to live in one room.

The New York Times

But she seems to have radicalised him.

Independent

She seems to have those votes.

The New Yorker

She seems to tolerate him amazingly well.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She seems to know everyone.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she seems to" to express an observation or opinion based on available evidence, without making a definitive judgment. It's a nuanced way to convey an impression.

Common error

Avoid using "she seems to" when you have concrete evidence or direct knowledge. In such cases, a more assertive statement is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she seems to" functions as an evidential marker, indicating that a statement is based on observation or inference rather than direct knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a way to express an opinion or observation about someone's actions or feelings. This function is evident in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she seems to" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to convey an impression or observation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its function is to soften statements and avoid making definitive judgments. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using "she seems to", it's best to avoid overstating certainty and ensure that it aligns with the available evidence. Alternatives include phrases like "it appears she" or "she gives the impression of", providing subtle nuances in meaning. Understanding the context and purpose of "she seems to" will enhance your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears she

Replaces "seems" with "appears", indicating a slightly more formal or tentative observation.

it would seem she

Adds a degree of formality and distance to the observation, suggesting a conclusion based on available evidence.

she gives the impression of

Focuses on the impression created by her actions or demeanor, rather than a direct assessment.

she comes across as

Describes how she is perceived by others based on her behavior and interactions.

she looks as if she

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the observation, focusing on her appearance.

she strikes one as

Highlights the immediate impression someone gets when encountering her.

she conveys the idea that

Describes what ideas or feelings she is communicating, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

one might think she

Introduces a hypothetical perspective, suggesting a possible interpretation of her behavior.

she presents herself as

Focuses on her deliberate effort to project a certain image or persona.

it is plausible that she

Introduces the idea that something is likely or possible in her regard.

FAQs

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

Use "she seems to" followed by a verb to express an impression or observation about someone's behavior or state. For instance, "She seems to be enjoying the party" or "She seems to know a lot about this topic".

What are some alternatives to "she seems to"?

You can use phrases like "it appears she", "she gives the impression of", or "she comes across as" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "she seems that" instead of "she seems to"?

No, "she seems that" is grammatically incorrect. The correct construction is "she seems to" followed by a verb. For example, "She seems to understand the problem" is correct, while "She seems that she understands the problem" is incorrect.

What's the difference between "she seems to" and "she is"?

"She seems to" indicates an impression or observation, suggesting a degree of uncertainty. "She is", on the other hand, is a more direct and assertive statement of fact. For example, "She seems to be tired" suggests you're observing signs of tiredness, while "She is tired" is a direct statement.