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seem like vs seem to

Both "seem like" and "seem to" are commonly used in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Seem like" is more informal and is often used in spoken language, while "seem to" is more formal and versatile. Both can be correct depending on the context.

Last updated: March 08, 2024 • 811 views

seem like

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts, especially in spoken language.

Use "seem like" when you want to express an opinion or impression informally. It is often used in spoken language.

Examples:

  • It seems like she's not coming to the party.
  • That seems like a good idea.
  • It seems like it's going to rain.
  • It seems like you had a great time.
  • It seems like he's upset.
  • Oct 19, 2024 ... [D] Why do PhD Students in the US seem like overpowered final bosses. Discussion. Hello,. I ...
  • What Doesn't Seem Like Work? January 2015. My father is a mathematician. For most of my childhood he worked for Westinghouse, modelling nuclear reactors. He ...
  • Jan 15, 2024 ... Games that don't seem like horror at first? DISCUSSION. any recommendations for games that start out not seeming like a horror game but ...
  • Jun 27, 2019 ... New home page makes it seem like SO doesn't allow free use any more ... seem like there are any questions anymore. It seems like a walled ...
  • Dec 2, 2020 ... 'People Tell Me I Seem Like a Snob Whenever I'm Quiet!' By Heather Havrilesky. The Cut's advice columnist Heather Havrilesky answers readers ...
  • Jun 28, 2009 ... Could anyone tell me the difference between "seem" and "seem like". I give some speech below, please tell me which one is not idiomatic It ...
  • Apr 11, 2024 ... I get this error: Error: The line *{"wcDuration":152493 doesn't seem like a valid SLF line when running the command: xclogparser parse ...
  • I'm Sorry If My Past Actions Made Me Seem Like a Good Person ... Amid all the headlines, I wanted to come forward and say that I'm sorry if my past behavior made ...
  • Aug 11, 2022 ... How would I make the text seem like its under the water? Muhammad Aamer.
  • Nov 15, 2016 ... WELL DONE BLT TEAM!!!! it might seem like this should be an easy thing to achieve but it takes a lot of hard work, passion, ...

Alternatives:

  • looks like
  • appears to be
  • sounds like
  • feels like
  • seems as if

seem to

This phrase is correct and more formal than "seem like." It is versatile and can be used in various contexts.

Use "seem to" when you want to express an opinion or impression in a more formal way. It is suitable for both spoken and written language.

Examples:

  • It seems to me that you're right.
  • The situation seems to be improving.
  • She seems to have a lot on her mind.
  • The plan seems to be working.
  • He seems to be a nice person.
  • Used to call attention to one's impression or understanding about something, especially in weakening the force of a following infinitive: I can't seem to get the ...
  • 1 day ago ... Try Exercising at Lunch If You Never Seem to Have the Time. Finding the time to exercise can be a hassle. I've found that most people try to hit ...
  • [+ to infinitive] I seem to know more about him than anyone else. They seem to be taking a long time to decide. [+ (that)] It seems (that) she can't come. It seems ...
  • Physicists Demonstrate How Time Can Seem To Run Backward, and the Future Can Affect the Past. Jay Kuo | June 8, 2015 | No Comments.

Alternatives:

  • appear to
  • look like
  • give the impression of
  • come across as
  • give the appearance of

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