seem
A2 (Very High)Neutral - appropriate for all registers from casual conversation to formal writing.
Definition
Meaning
To give the impression or appearance of being something; to appear to be the case.
Used to express a subjective perception or impression, often based on limited evidence or as a softening device for opinions. Also functions as a catenative verb linking to an adjective or infinitive.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Seem" indicates a perception or inference, not a verifiable fact. It creates distance between the speaker and the statement, often conveying politeness, uncertainty, or an indirect opinion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Both varieties use 'seem' identically in structure and frequency.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Seem + adjective (He seems tired.)Seem + to-infinitive (She seems to know.)It seems + that-clause (It seems that we're lost.)Seem + like/as if/as though + clause (It seems like it's going to rain.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It seems like only yesterday...”
- “So it would seem.”
- “Be all (one) seems to be cracked up to be”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to soften statements in reports or meetings: 'The figures seem to indicate a positive trend.'
Academic
Used to express cautious conclusions or interpretations: 'The data seems to support the initial hypothesis.'
Everyday
Common in describing impressions: 'You seem upset.' 'It seems like a good idea.'
Technical
Less common in highly precise technical writing where definitive statements are preferred, but used in discussions of results.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- That doesn't seem quite right, does it?
- They seem to have forgotten the meeting.
- It seems a bit dodgy to me.
American English
- That doesn't seem right at all.
- They seem to have forgotten the appointment.
- It seems a little shady to me.
adverb
British English
- He was seemingly unaware of the problem.
- They have seemingly endless resources.
American English
- She was seemingly unaffected by the news.
- They have a seemingly perfect relationship.
adjective
British English
- A seeming contradiction
- With seeming indifference
American English
- A seeming paradox
- With seeming ease
Examples
By CEFR Level
- You seem happy today.
- It seems cold outside.
- He seems like a nice man.
- The plan seems to be working well.
- It seems that we have made a mistake.
- She seems to know everyone here.
- Despite the setbacks, progress seems to be accelerating.
- There seems to be a growing consensus on the issue.
- His apology seemed somewhat insincere.
- The defendant's alibi seems to have been fabricated after the fact.
- Such a conclusion, however plausible it may seem, is not supported by the evidence.
- The economic indicators seem to be pointing towards a period of sustained growth.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SEEM = See + EMotion. It's about how you see or perceive the emotional state or appearance of something.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERCEPTION IS VISION (e.g., 'I see what you mean,' 'It looks good') — 'seem' is a verb of visual appearance applied to abstract impressions.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of кажется as 'it seems to me' in every context. English often uses 'I think' or 'I feel' for personal opinion. 'Кажется, он прав' is often better as 'I think he's right,' not 'It seems he is right.'
- Russian часто использует 'кажется' для неуверенности, где английский может использовать модальные глаголы: 'He seems to be at home' vs 'Он, кажется, дома.'
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He seems being happy.' Correct: 'He seems to be happy.' or 'He seems happy.'
- Incorrect: 'It seems raining.' Correct: 'It seems to be raining.' or 'It seems like it's raining.'
- Overusing 'seem' when a direct statement is more appropriate (e.g., 'He is nice' vs. 'He seems nice').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'seem' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Seem' is more general, based on overall impression (which can include sound, feel, evidence). 'Look' is primarily based on visual appearance. 'He seems angry' (maybe from his tone). 'He looks angry' (from his facial expression).
Yes, but usually with 'like' or 'to be'. 'He seems (like) a good leader.' 'It seems (to be) a problem.' Without 'like/to be', it can sound archaic or literary ('He seemed a fool').
No. The correct structure is 'It seems to me that...' for expressing a personal opinion. 'Me' is the object of the preposition 'to', not a direct object of 'seems'.
Almost always an adjective (or past participle used as an adjective), because 'seem' is a linking verb describing a state. 'He seems happy' (adj). NOT 'He seems happily'. An adverb modifies 'seem' itself: 'He suddenly seemed happy.'
Collections
Part of a collection
Daily Verbs
A1 · 50 words · Essential action words used in everyday conversation.