that seems like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that seems like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an opinion or perception about something that appears to be true or likely. Example: "That seems like a reasonable solution to the problem we are facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

That seems like ages ago.

Los Angeles Times

In today's world, that seems like an impossible task.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

To me, that seems like a far more productive conversation.

University of Chicago

"That seems like overkill.

The New Yorker

That seems like a mistake.

The New Yorker

"That seems like forever ago".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

That seemed like days ago.

The New York Times

Does that seem like a lot?

The New York Times

At 26, that seemed like a lifetime.

The New York Times

Does that seem like a fair reading?

The New Yorker

Does that seem like another lifetime?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "it appears that" for a more objective tone.

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, avoid relying heavily on "that seems like" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and authoritative language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that seems like" functions as an evaluative expression, introducing a subjective assessment or opinion. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it's used to qualify statements, indicating a perception rather than a concrete fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that seems like" is a versatile expression used to convey a subjective assessment or opinion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, academic discussions, and informal conversations. While perfectly acceptable, it's essential to be mindful of the context and choose more precise language for formal writing. Consider alternatives like "that appears to be" or "it seems to me that" to fine-tune the tone and convey your intended meaning with greater accuracy. Its high frequency and broad applicability make it a valuable tool for expressing tentative judgments in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that appears to be

Replaces 'seems' with 'appears', focusing on visual or surface-level assessment.

that looks like

Similar to 'appears to be', emphasizing a visual impression.

it seems to me that

More explicitly states that it's the speaker's opinion.

that strikes me as

Introduces a personal feeling or impression about something.

that gives the impression of

Focuses on the overall impression something creates.

that suggests

Implies something without explicitly stating it.

that indicates

Highlights something as a sign or signal.

that feels like

Emphasizes a subjective feeling or experience.

it would seem that

More formal and tentative way of expressing a similar idea.

that gives every indication of being

Expresses certainty based on available evidence.

FAQs

What does "that seems like" mean?

The phrase "that seems like" indicates that something appears to be a certain way based on available information or personal perception. It expresses an opinion or assessment rather than a definitive fact.

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

You can use "that seems like" to express your opinion or assessment of something. For example, "That seems like "a good idea"" or "That seems like "a lot of work"".

What are some alternatives to "that seems like"?

Alternatives include "that appears to be", "that looks like", or "it seems to me that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "that seems like"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "that seems like". The structure is grammatically correct and commonly used.