they seem like

USAGE SUMMARY

"they seem like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an opinion or observation about a group of people or things. For example: They seem like a nice family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They seem like ordinary objects.

The New Yorker

They seem like a fit.

The New York Times

They seem like appetizers.

The New York Times - Travel

"They seem like desperate measures to me.

The New York Times

They seem like the easier solution".

Independent

They seem like tough, resilient people.

The New York Times

THEY seem like such lovely people.

The New York Times

They seem like heavy drinkers, pot smokers".

The New Yorker

"They seem like great people".

The New York Times

They seem like Werkstätte updates.

The New York Times - Arts

They seem like manly men".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they seem like" to express an observation based on available information, without claiming absolute certainty. It's perfect for offering opinions or assessments in a polite and non-confrontational manner.

Common error

Avoid using "they seem like" when you have definitive proof or evidence. In such cases, a more assertive statement is appropriate, as this phrase is used to express an impression, not a verified fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they seem like" functions as a hedge, softening a statement and indicating that it is based on an impression rather than a definitive fact. It expresses an opinion or assessment, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they seem like" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a tentative assessment or impression. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It functions as a hedge, softening statements and indicating subjectivity. While versatile, it's best used when you want to express an opinion without claiming absolute certainty. Alternatives like "they appear to be" or "they strike me as" can offer slightly different nuances. Remember to avoid using it when you have definitive proof, as a more direct statement would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they appear to be

Focuses on visual appearance, suggesting a more superficial assessment.

they give the impression of

Emphasizes the creation of an impression, potentially misleading.

they strike me as

Highlights a personal feeling or judgment about someone or something.

they come across as

Focuses on how others perceive them, their outward presentation.

they look as if they are

Similar, but emphasizes a visual comparison to something else.

it would seem that they are

More formal and tentative, suggesting less certainty.

one might think they are

Suggests a common, but possibly inaccurate, perception.

they have the air of

More figurative, suggesting an inherent quality or atmosphere.

it's my understanding they are

Highlights a claim of knowledge with implied understanding of the subject.

as far as I can tell, they are

Highlights subjective judgment based on incomplete observation of facts.

FAQs

How can I use "they seem like" in a sentence?

You can use "they seem like" to express your impression or opinion about a group of people or things. For example, "they seem like good parents" or "they seem like the easier solution".

What's the difference between "they seem like" and "they are"?

"They seem like" indicates an opinion or observation based on limited information, while "they are" suggests a statement of fact. Use "they seem like" when you want to express an impression, and "they are" when you have confirmed information.

What are some alternatives to "they seem like"?

Alternatives to "they seem like" include "they appear to be", "they strike me as", or "they come across as". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "they seem like"?

While grammatically correct, using "they seem like" might be inappropriate when you possess concrete evidence. In such situations, a more direct statement would be more accurate. The appropriateness depends on the context and the certainty of your information.