seem not to be vs does not seem to be

Both "seem not to be" and "does not seem to be" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Seem not to be" is more formal and less common, while "does not seem to be" is more commonly used in everyday language. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 2793 views

This phrase is correct but less common and more formal than "does not seem to be".

"seem not to be"

This phrase is used to express doubt or uncertainty about something. It is more formal and less commonly used in everyday language.

Show examples from the web [+]

In addition, the measures in question seem not to be compatible with the common market.
I seem not to be ripe for death yet.
You must be very concerned to know why countries that have always complied so well seem not to be complying now.
I would like to thank you for mentioning this, as it is something which some Heads of Government seem not to be convinced of.
At this stage, the Commission has serious doubts whether the restructuring aid can be declared compatible with the common market, as four of the main conditions set in the Guidelines seem not to be fulfilled.
You seem not to be going to this
The regime would thus seem not to be changing, and now we are discussing whether we should lift the embargo, in spite of the fact that no changes have occurred.
Women in your culture seem not to be as equal to the man as they are in our culture.
Regrets that, despite the broadly successful parliamentary elections, the results of the presidential elections seem not to be credible, owing to widespread reports of electoral irregularities;
There would seem not to be enough room at the banqueting table of the human race.
Have studies been carried out on park-and-ride systems, which seem not to be working partly on account of high parking charges?
My card entrance seems not to be working.
The guarantee seems not to be in line with the Commission's notice on guarantees.
Repayable assistance seems not to be covered by this Regulation.
Nevertheless, at the end of September 2008 this progress seems not to be a reality.
- That seems not to be the case, though, with little Willem.
Our world is under threat of a crisis the scope of which seems not to be realized by those in authority...
It is suggested that you keep all lights on... as the creature seems not to be able to stand bright light.
Following research, this seems not to be the case.
Up to now this government has also refused to acknowledge these problems and seems not to be doing very much about them.

Alternatives:

appear not to be
seem to not be
do not seem to be
do not appear to be
seem to be not

This phrase is correct and commonly used in everyday language.

"does not seem to be"

This phrase is used to express doubt or uncertainty about something. It is more commonly used in everyday language compared to "seem not to be".

Alternatives:

is not seeming to be
is not appearing to be
does not appear to be
is not looking to be
is not showing to be

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seem not to be vs does not seem to be

"seem not to be"

"does not seem to be"

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