whatever seems best

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whatever seems best" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a willingness to accept any option that appears to be the most suitable or appropriate. Example: "You can choose the restaurant; I'll go with whatever seems best." Alternative expressions include "whichever is preferable" and "whatever you think is best."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was for the museum (whose director at the time, Francis Henry Taylor, was a distant cousin of Violet Ormond) to do with it whatever seemed best.

The New York Times - Arts

Women participating in the trial will be managed in whatever way seems best for them.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Or whatever seems appropriate.

Huffington Post

Change it to whatever seems appropriate.

WikiHow

Talk, chat, flirt, whatever seems comfortable.

WikiHow

Find whatever seems efficient to you.[5].

WikiHow

For the rest the negotiator, either an ambassador or a special envoy, is in most countries free to employ whatever tactics seem best.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A gun seems best.

The New York Times - Books

This place seems best left alone.

The New York Times

Word of mouth seems best.

BBC

This seems best tuning.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whatever seems best", ensure that the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand the criteria by which 'best' is being judged.

Common error

Avoid using "whatever seems best" without providing any context or rationale. The phrase implies a degree of discernment, but if the basis for that judgment is unclear, it can come across as arbitrary or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whatever seems best" functions as a qualifying phrase, indicating a selection based on subjective assessment or perceived suitability. Though Ludwig provides limited specific examples, the general structure implies that the speaker or writer is deferring to a perceived optimal choice.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whatever seems best" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express acceptance of a choice deemed most suitable, as determined by implied criteria. Ludwig highlights its adaptability across various contexts, but notes its preference for situations where subjectivity is permissible. While the phrase doesn't have specific examples in Ludwig, it's a valuable addition to expressing flexibility and agreement. To avoid ambiguity, provide context for the judgement in determining what 'best' actually means.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whatever appears most suitable

Replaces "seems best" with "appears most suitable", emphasizing the perceived suitability of an option.

whatever is considered most appropriate

Substitutes "seems best" with a more formal "is considered most appropriate", highlighting a judgment of appropriateness.

whatever is deemed most fitting

Uses "is deemed most fitting" in place of "seems best", indicating a formal assessment of what is most suitable.

whatever is thought to be optimal

Replaces "seems best" with "is thought to be optimal", focusing on the idea of achieving the best possible outcome.

whatever is judged most advantageous

Changes "seems best" to "is judged most advantageous", stressing the selection of what offers the greatest benefit.

whatever is perceived as superior

Emphasizes the idea of something being seen as better than other options.

whatever is regarded as the finest

Highlights the consideration of something as being top quality.

whatever one considers ideal

Focuses on a subjective choice based on what is considered perfect.

whatever one believes is most effective

Stresses effectiveness as the reason behind the selection.

whatever gives the best impression

Considers how an option is perceived and its impact.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "whatever seems best" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, consider using phrases like "whatever is considered most appropriate" or "whatever is deemed most fitting" depending on the context.

What's a more casual alternative to "whatever seems best"?

For a more casual alternative, you could say "whatever works" or "whatever feels right".

Is it correct to use "whatever seems best to you"?

Yes, "whatever seems best to you" is grammatically correct and adds a personal element, indicating that the choice is based on individual preference or judgment.

Can I use "whatever seems best" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "whatever seems best" might be too subjective for formal academic writing. Consider using more objective phrasing that explains the rationale behind the choice. For example, "whatever the data suggests" or "whatever the evidence supports".