"it doesn't seem to work" vs "it seems not to be working"

Question

"it doesn't seem to work" vs "it seems not to be working"

Both phrases are correct and convey a similar meaning. They are interchangeable and can be used depending on personal preference or style. Both phrases express doubt or uncertainty about the functionality of something.

Last Updated: March 15, 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 also used to express doubt or uncertainty about the functionality of something. It suggests that something is currently not working as expected.

Examples:

I checked the machine, and it seems not to be working properly.
The system seems not to be working as it should.

Alternatives:

it doesn't seem to work
it appears not to be functioning
it seems to be malfunctioning
it doesn't look like it's working

Answer 1

it doesn't seem to work

This is correct

Answer 2

it seems not to be working

This phrase is correct and can be used in English.

"it doesn't seem to work" vs "it seems not to be working"

it doesn't seem to work

it seems not to be working

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