this seems to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this seems to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an observation or a perception about a situation or condition that appears to be true. Example: "After reviewing the data, this seems to be the most effective solution for our problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This seems to be happening.

The Economist

This seems to be changing.

The Economist

This seems to be backwards.

The Economist

But this seems to be changing.

The Economist

This seems to be a leadership issue.

The New York Times - Travel

This seems to be one more thing".

The New York Times

This seems to be a whopper.

Independent

This seems to be a public consensus.

The Economist

This seems to be a trend.

The New York Times

This seems to be one such time.

The Economist

Anecdotally this seems to be the case.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this seems to be" when presenting an observation or assessment based on available information, avoiding definitive statements without concrete proof.

Common error

While versatile, avoid excessive repetition of "this seems to be" in formal contexts. Opt for stronger verbs or more direct phrasing to enhance clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this seems to be" functions as an introductory phrase used to express an opinion, observation, or conclusion based on available information, without stating it as an absolute fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression. This phrase often precedes a statement of explanation or a description.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this seems to be" serves as a versatile tool for expressing observations and tentative conclusions across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's prevalent in news, academic, and scientific sources, offering a balanced approach to presenting information without asserting absolute certainty. While useful, remember to use it judiciously, especially in formal writing where more direct phrasing may enhance clarity. This phrase allows speakers/writers to present an idea while acknowledging it may not be definitively proven.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears that this is

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and restructures the sentence slightly for emphasis.

it would seem that this is

Adds a degree of formality and tentativeness to the assessment.

it suggests that this is

Implies that there's evidence pointing towards the situation.

this gives the impression of being

Focuses on the perceived impression rather than a direct statement.

one might infer that this is

Emphasizes the act of drawing a conclusion based on available information.

the indication is that this is

Highlights that there's an indication of something being true.

the evidence suggests this is

Directly references evidence supporting the observation.

it looks like this is

Offers a more informal and visual assessment of the situation.

this could very well be

Adds a degree of uncertainty and possibility to the observation.

it's reasonable to assume this is

Introduces a logical assumption based on the available information.

FAQs

How can I use "this seems to be" in a sentence?

Use "this seems to be" to express an observation or assessment that something appears to be a certain way, based on the information available. For instance, "After reviewing the data, "this seems to be" the most effective solution".

What are some alternatives to "this seems to be"?

Alternatives include "it appears that this is", "it would seem that this is", or "it suggests that this is". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this seems to be" formal or informal?

"This seems to be" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider stronger verbs or more direct phrasing.

What's the difference between "this seems to be" and "this is"?

"This seems to be" indicates a degree of uncertainty or observation, while "this is" is a direct statement of fact. Use "this seems to be" when you are presenting an assessment based on available information rather than a definitive conclusion.