that seems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that seems" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to introduce a statement or opinion about something that may not be certain or may not be the whole truth. Example: "The new policy, that seems to favor large corporations, has sparked controversy among small business owners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that seems unlikely.

The Economist

Now, that seems unlikely.

The New York Times - Sports

Nowadays, that seems ridiculous.

The New Yorker

How quaint that seems.

The New York Times

Sadly, that seems unlikely.

The New York Times

And that seems absurd.

SEP

And that seems odd.

SEP

But that seems circular.

SEP

That seems misguided.

The Economist

That seems unwise.

The New York Times

That seems certain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse; while common, relying too heavily on "that seems" can make your writing sound hesitant. Vary your phrasing with stronger verbs or more direct statements when appropriate.

Common error

In formal academic or professional writing, excessive use of "that seems" can weaken your argument. Opt for more assertive language and direct evidence to support your claims, especially when drawing conclusions from data or research.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that seems" functions as an epistemic phrase, indicating the speaker's assessment or evaluation of a situation or statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to express an opinion that is not presented as a definitive fact. It introduces a degree of tentativeness or uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that seems" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey an opinion or assessment with a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by numerous examples from reliable sources, confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While appropriate for various contexts, overuse in formal writing should be avoided in favor of more direct language. Alternative phrases like "it appears that" or "it suggests that" can provide variety and nuance. The phrase functions as an epistemic marker, communicating a subjective evaluation, and maintains a neutral register suitable for most situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it indicates that

More direct, suggesting a clear sign or signal of something.

it appears that

More formal and emphasizes the appearance or impression something gives.

it suggests that

Implies that something hints at or indicates a particular conclusion.

it would seem that

Slightly more tentative, suggesting a conclusion based on available evidence.

it's plausible that

Emphasizes the believability or credibility of something.

it looks like

More informal and focuses on visual evidence or observation.

one might think

Introduces a speculative element, presenting a potential viewpoint.

it's conceivable that

Highlights the possibility or feasibility of something.

i believe that

More direct statement of personal belief.

in my opinion

Expresses a personal viewpoint or assessment.

FAQs

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

Use "that seems" to introduce an observation or opinion based on available information, but without presenting it as a definitive fact. For example: "That seems unlikely given the current circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "that seems"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it appears that", "it suggests that", or "it looks like" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "that seems" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, overuse of "that seems" in formal writing can make your statements sound less assertive. Consider using stronger verbs and more direct statements when presenting evidence or conclusions. It's OK to use it when you are unsure or the context is uncertain.

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

"That seems" implies an observation or opinion based on available information, while "that is" states a fact or definition. For example, "that seems correct" suggests an assessment, while "that is correct" asserts a definitive truth.