than it seems

USAGE SUMMARY

"than it seems" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in comparative phrases to show that something is different or more complicated than it initially appears. Here is an example: "The problem is much deeper than it seems on the surface." In this sentence, "than it seems" is used to emphasize that there is more to the problem than what can be seen or understood at first glance. It suggests that there is more to the situation that needs to be considered or addressed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less than it seems.

The Washington Post

It's more tricky than it seems.

The New Yorker

Finding one is harder than it seems.

The Economist

It is less weird than it seems.

The New York Times

This is more complicated than it seems.

Stanford University

This is less true than it seems.

The Washington Post

Banning diesel is trickier than it seems.

The Guardian

And that's harder than it seems.

The Washington Post

McCormick said it's easier than it seems.

The Washington Post

The question is trickier than it seems.

The Guardian - Books

It is easier than it seems.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "than it seems" to add depth and intrigue to your writing, suggesting hidden complexities or unexpected realities.

Common error

Avoid using "than it seems" in situations where the complexity is already obvious or the statement is self-evident. This can weaken your writing and make it sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "than it seems" functions as a comparative element within a clause, typically modifying an adjective or adverb. It introduces a sense of contrast, suggesting that the true nature or extent of something differs from its initial impression, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

4%

Unknown/Unmatched Sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "than it seems" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to indicate a disparity between superficial appearances and a deeper reality. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, the phrase is most effective when used to reveal genuine complexities, avoiding overuse in overly simplistic situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase helps to introduce nuance and encourage deeper consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more complex than it appears

Emphasizes the underlying complexity that is not immediately obvious.

not as simple as it looks

Highlights the deceptive simplicity of a situation.

more nuanced than one might think

Suggests that a deeper, more subtle understanding is required.

deeper than it looks

Focuses on the hidden depth or significance of something.

less straightforward than it seems

Indicates that the situation involves more complications than initially perceived.

more involved than it appears

Implies that the matter has many connected parts and is not easily understood.

more intricate than it seems

Highlights the detailed and complex nature of something not immediately apparent.

not as easy as it seems

Highlights the actual difficulty involved.

there's more to it than meets the eye

Emphasizes that the apparent information is hiding a fuller, truer picture.

the reality is more complicated

States plainly that the truth is not simple.

FAQs

How can I use "than it seems" in a sentence?

You can use "than it seems" to add a layer of complexity to a statement, implying that the apparent situation is not the complete picture. For example, "The task is more challenging "than it seems"."

What are some alternatives to "than it seems"?

Alternatives include phrases like "more complex than it appears", "not as simple as it looks", or "deeper than it looks". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "than it seems" in a sentence?

No, it's not always necessary. Use it when you want to emphasize that there's more to a situation than is immediately apparent. If the complexity is already understood, omitting the phrase can make your writing more concise.

How does "than it seems" differ from "than it appears"?

"Than it seems" and "than it appears" are very similar, both indicating a difference between the surface and a deeper reality. "Than it seems" might suggest a hidden complexity, while "than it appears" focuses more on a deceptive outward appearance.