"it doesn't seem to work" vs "It seems it doesn't work"

Question

"it doesn't seem to work" vs "It seems it doesn't work"

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'It doesn't seem to work' implies a lack of success or effectiveness, while 'It seems it doesn't work' suggests a more definitive statement about the functionality. The choice between the two depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

If you keep trying to get something to work correctly but are having trouble, you can use this sentence to explain the situation.

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some examples from our editors:

I keep trying the solution you offered, but it doesn't seem to work.
I have been trying to get the air conditioner to blow cool air, but it doesn't seem to work correctly.

Some alternatives from our editors:

it's not working
I don't think it's working
It seems to be broken

This phrase is used to express a more certain or conclusive opinion that something is not working.

Examples:

It seems it doesn't work, so we need to find an alternative solution.
She tested it, and it seems it doesn't work on this device.

Alternatives:

It appears that it doesn't work
It looks like it doesn't work
It's clear that it doesn't work
It's evident that it doesn't work
It's obvious that it doesn't work

Answer 1

it doesn't seem to work

This is correct

Answer 2

It seems it doesn't work

This phrase is also correct, but it conveys a more definitive statement about the functionality of something.

"it doesn't seem to work" vs "It seems it doesn't work"

it doesn't seem to work

It seems it doesn't work

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