It doesn't seem to work. vs It seems like it's not working

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey a similar meaning but with a slight difference in emphasis. The first phrase focuses on the fact that something is not working, while the second phrase emphasizes the ongoing state of something not working.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 9911 views

It doesn't seem to work.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express doubt or uncertainty about the functionality of something.

Examples:

I've tried everything, but it doesn't seem to work.
The new software doesn't seem to work on my computer.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jack, it doesn't seem to work.
It's just a shame that in the real world, it doesn't seem to work.
Richard, this doesn't seem to work.
This medicine doesn't seem to work.
This stuff doesn't seem to work properly.
I quote, Religion doesn't seem to work like that.
Dry-cleaning fluid doesn't seem to work on pencil.
Part of me just wants to pack up and walk away from a life that doesn't seem to work anymore.
I adore Alvy, but our relationship doesn't seem to work anymore.
The thing you guys call "Ki" doesn't seem to work on gods.
There's a gel in the upstairs cabinet; it doesn't seem to work but you can try.
Just doesn't seem to work that way anymore.
Doesn't seem to work on me, Andy.
Half of them don't seem to work.
But the finances for this Kindertransport just don't seem to work.
I asked him once, didn't seem to work.
It doesn't seem to have occurred to her that many of these girls enjoy their work.
So, I'm either really good at faking it, or this particular model seems to work.
It has this terrible glitch, and I can't seem to work it out.
Tamzin's spells seem to work.

Alternatives:

it doesn't appear to work.
it doesn't look like it's working.
it's not working as expected.

It seems like it's not working

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate the ongoing state of something not functioning properly.

Examples:

I checked the machine, and it seems like it's not working.
It seems like the internet connection is not working.

Show examples from the web [+]

It seems like you're working with a lot of people these days.
The other gentleman is using his elbow and it seems to be working.
'Cause it seems to be working just great.
Not enough power, but it seems to be working.
It seems the deceased was working for them.
It seems that Tatoeba is working properly again.
It seems that Tatoeba is working properly again.
I noticed her texting with him this morning, so whatever carrot you dangled, it seems to be working.
Okay, this has to be the oddest thing I've ever seen, but it seems to be working.
Dr. Kalfas just came to check in on us, and it seems to be working.
Yes, it seems to be working now.
We can't keep recycling this material, although it seems to be working just fine.
It seems we are working to a similar purpose, you and I.
Seems like it's working just fine to me, - but don't overthink it.
It seems most folks are working here just till they can find something better.
We'I'll need you to answer some simple yes or no questions while we're cutting, to make sure we're not cutting... it seems to be working.
In any case, it seems to be working as the public is rooting for him in spite of today's events.
So, it seems you've been working quite hard these nights. I admire that.
But it seems to show that working time reductions can have a beneficial effect on employment in certain circumstances, but only provided that a number of conditions are met.
Preventing people from working seems to run counter to the Union's attitude to social inclusion and its employment policies.

Alternatives:

it appears that it's not working.
it looks like it's not functioning.
it's not working properly.

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It doesn't seem to work. vs It seems like it's not working