I don't seem to vs I seem not to

Both "I don't seem to" and "I seem not to" are correct constructions in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "I don't seem to" is more commonly used and sounds more natural in everyday language. On the other hand, "I seem not to" can be used if you want a more formal or literary tone.

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Last updated: February 22, 2025 • 6650 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I don't seem to"

This phrase is used to express a lack of ability or success in doing something. It is a common way to convey uncertainty or doubt.

Examples:

I don't seem to understand the instructions.
She doesn't seem to like the new restaurant.
They don't seem to be coming to the party.
He doesn't seem to be feeling well today.
We don't seem to have enough time to finish the project.

Show examples from the web [+]

I don't seem to understand what has happened to everyone.
Well, that's funny, 'cause I don't seem to remember getting an invitation to the wedding.
But I don't seem to exist.
I don't seem to recognise anybody.
I don't seem to have any out here.
I thought I knew all of Grandpa's friends but I don't seem to recognize you.
I don't seem to feel anything
I don't seem to be a particularly romantic proposition at the moment.
I can see that was probably very clever, but I don't seem to understand it.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I don't seem to be mourning in the same way as you.
I don't seem to have the same support network I had when, you know, when I had Frankie.
It's just that I don't seem to fit in anywhere, you know?
Director, I don't seem to have said to Ruan.
I don't seem to have that information.
I don't seem to have your name.
I don't seem to need them anymore.
I don't seem to recall that case.
I don't seem to have a bad side.
I don't seem to remember an earthquake on that exact date.
I don't seem to be getting any.

Alternatives:

I can't seem to
It doesn't seem like
It appears that I can't
I'm having trouble
I'm finding it difficult to

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday language.

"I seem not to"

This phrase is also used to express a lack of ability or success in doing something, but it may sound more formal or literary. It is suitable for more serious or formal contexts.

Examples:

I seem not to have the necessary skills for this job.
She seems not to care about the consequences.
He seems not to understand the gravity of the situation.
They seem not to have considered all the options.
We seem not to be making any progress.

Show examples from the web [+]

I seem not to be ripe for death yet.
I do not seem able to live moderately.
Just because I do not understand seem to encourage Mark and Scott.
I constantly bring this matter up both in writing to the President and to the heads of the political groups. I do not seem to be making much progress but perhaps together we can have another go.
Do I not seem to you now the very model of a fashionable man?
If Mr Prodi claims to have addressed Europe as a whole then he is speaking a load of codswallop, not least in that I do not seem to remember seeing any olive trees sprouting up and growing in countries such as Sweden or Finland.
In my opinion - and I do not seem to be the only one to have this opinion - Toulouse was much more a problem of practical application of the legislation than a problem of legislation being deficient.
That's probably why I seem annoyed.
If I seem rushed, I apologize.
Everywhere I go I seem to break things.
I'm not as dirty as I seem, Joaquin.
I suppose I seem pathetic to you.
Which I applaud even if I seem to disapprove.
I am a little bit more complicated than I seem.
I seem to recall your saying I use people all the time...
I'm sorry if I seem a bit flustered today.
I've lived longer than I seem.
I mean, I seem perfectly normal and sane to you, Edwin...
I have tried and I seem fairly indestructible on that point.
Roger "i seem nice but I'm really mean" shephard.

Alternatives:

I appear to not
It seems that I do not
It would seem that I cannot
I fail to seem to
I am unable to seem to

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I don't seem to vs I seem not to

"I don't seem to"

"I seem not to"

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