whatever seems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whatever seems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of uncertainty or to indicate that any perception or impression is acceptable. Example: "You can choose whatever seems best to you for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's whatever seems right at the time.

The New York Times

Add a weeping emoticon or whatever seems eloquent to you.

The Guardian - Opinion

His playing is by turns delicate, incisive, mysterious, punchy: whatever seems called for.

The New York Times - Arts

And assert really the right to speak about whatever seems interesting.

The Guardian

"Uh, whatever" seems to be the collective response to this year's passing into the next.

The New York Times

"I just do whatever seems to be a good idea at the time".

The New York Times - Style

We could just apply the logic of the neoliberal free market, and do whatever seems cheapest.

The Guardian - Opinion

As to other choices, Mr. Daniels said, "I won't be limited to Baroque; I'll do whatever seems appropriate".

The New York Times

A major concern is that people may use the groundwater for whatever seems like a good idea at the time in a way that is unsustainable.

The New York Times

The plan (or whatever) seems set to have two main components: assistance for the grim housing market and help with fuel costs for low-income families.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Well, maybe Warhol's queerness just doesn't matter in post-everything 2002, when the whole issue of identity -- sexual, racial, whatever -- seems so over, so 1990's; when gay has been Will-and-Graced and Log Cabin Republicaned into the mainstream; when art is all Beauty and back-to-formal-values.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decision-making process, consider "whatever seems" to indicate a more spontaneous or intuitive approach.

Common error

Avoid using "whatever seems" in contexts that require objective criteria or formal decision-making processes; opt for phrases that emphasize rationality and established standards instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whatever seems" functions as a flexible determiner and linking verb construction, indicating a selection or action based on a subjective assessment. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase expresses a sense of uncertainty or indicates that any perception or impression is acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

28%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Los Angeles Times

1%

Forbes

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whatever seems" is a versatile phrase used to express flexibility and subjective judgment, primarily in neutral to informal contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, and Wiki contexts. While "whatever seems" conveys openness to different options based on immediate perception, it's best to avoid it in situations requiring objectivity. Consider alternatives like ""whatever appears"" or ""whatever is most appropriate"" to fine-tune your message. The high frequency of "whatever seems" in diverse sources underscores its significance in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Whatever appears

Focuses on the visual aspect, emphasizing how something looks rather than its overall suitability.

Whatever feels right

Shifts the focus to intuition and personal feeling as the basis for selection.

Whatever is most appropriate

Highlights suitability as the key criterion, suggesting a more formal or considered choice.

Whatever is suitable

Similar to 'most appropriate' but with a slightly broader connotation of fitting the situation.

Whatever works best

Emphasizes effectiveness and practicality as the primary selection factor.

Whatever is preferable

Highlights personal preference as the deciding factor.

Whatever suits the situation

Focuses on how well something matches the circumstances, emphasizing context.

Whatever resonates

Emphasizes a deeper, more personal connection or agreement.

Anything that appears

Uses 'anything' for broader scope and appearance instead of judgement.

Anything that looks good

Highlights visual appeal, focusing on aesthetics rather than functionality or appropriateness.

FAQs

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

You can use "whatever seems" to express a flexible choice based on current perception. For example, "Choose "whatever seems best" for the project" or "Do "whatever seems appropriate" in the situation".

What are some alternatives to "whatever seems"?

Alternatives include "whatever appears", "whatever feels right", or "whatever is most appropriate", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "whatever seems" formal or informal?

"Whatever seems" tends to be more informal, suitable for everyday conversation or writing. In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "whatever is most suitable" or "whatever is deemed necessary".

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

"Whatever seems" implies a subjective judgment based on current perception, whereas "whatever is" refers to an objective reality or existing state. For example, "Do "whatever seems best"" suggests a choice based on what you currently think is best, while "accept "whatever is"" advises accepting the current reality.