this may seem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this may seem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a perspective or opinion that might not be immediately obvious to the reader. Example: "This may seem like a simple solution, but it actually requires careful consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This may seem surprising.

The New York Times

This may seem strange.

The New York Times

This may seem improbable.

The New York Times - Books

This may seem absurd.

The Guardian - Opinion

This may seem like ancient history.

The New York Times

This may seem incongruous, coming from me.

The New York Times

All this may seem wearily familiar.

The Economist

This may seem like an academic debate.

The New Yorker

None of this may seem particularly new.

The New York Times

This may seem like extraordinary vanity.

Independent

Initially this may seem dauntingly close.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this may seem" to introduce a contrasting perspective or unexpected information. It's effective for setting up a counterargument or highlighting a less obvious point.

Common error

While "this may seem" is useful, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Vary your introductory phrases to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this may seem" functions as an introductory device. It prepares the reader for a statement that might be unexpected, contradictory, or require further explanation. Ludwig confirms the widespread use of this phrase in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this may seem" is a versatile and frequently used introductory phrase that signals an upcoming statement might be surprising or require further consideration. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using "this may seem", remember to vary your introductory phrases to avoid repetition and ensure a smooth reading experience. Consider alternatives like "it might appear" or "at first glance" for similar effects. The prevalence of this phrase across diverse domains underscores its value in effectively communicating nuanced ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might seem that

Adds "that" to create a more explicit subordinate clause.

it may appear

Uses "may" instead of "might", indicating a slightly higher degree of possibility or likelihood.

it might appear

Replaces "seem" with "appear", emphasizing a visual impression.

it could appear

Uses "could" instead of "might", suggesting a possibility rather than a probability.

it might sound

Substitutes "seem" with "sound", focusing on auditory perception.

this could sound

Changes "may" to "could", suggesting a hypothetical scenario.

one might think

Introduces a common belief or assumption before presenting a contrasting viewpoint.

at first glance

Suggests that the initial impression might be misleading.

it may be construed as

Uses a more formal and passive construction, implying a specific interpretation.

it could be interpreted as

Emphasizes the subjective nature of interpretation.

FAQs

How can I use "this may seem" in a sentence?

Use "this may seem" to introduce a statement that might initially appear counterintuitive or surprising to the reader. For example, "This may seem contradictory, but...".

What are some alternatives to "this may seem"?

Alternatives include "it might appear", "it may appear", "at first glance", or "one might think", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "this may seem" formal or informal?

"This may seem" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing contexts. The specific context of the sentence will determine the overall formality.

What's the difference between "this may seem" and "this might seem"?

The difference is subtle. "May" suggests a slightly higher probability than "might". Both phrases introduce a statement that could be perceived a certain way, but "may" implies a stronger likelihood of that perception.