seems not to be vs seems to be not

Both "seems not to be" and "seems to be not" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Seems not to be" is more commonly used and considered more natural in English. On the other hand, "seems to be not" can be used for emphasis or to create a specific stylistic effect.

Last updated: April 01, 2024

seems not to be

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate a lack of certainty or to express doubt about something. It is a common construction in English.

Examples:

It seems not to be working properly.
She seems not to be interested in the project.
The results seem not to be accurate.

Show examples from the web [+]

Cannot open the file %1 and load the string list. This file seems not to be a valid old kfr file or it is broken.
File %1 seems not to be written in new kfr format. Remember that the old kfr format will be soon abandoned. You can convert your old rules files by simply saving them with kfilereplace.
The argument concerning the low market share of CSK at a European scale seems not to be relevant.
The addition of interferon-gamma to the tasonermin perfusate seems not to be associated with significant increases in endogenous production of tasonermin or other inflammatory cytokines as shown in patients with severe trauma.
Repayable assistance seems not to be covered by this Regulation.
Unfortunately, this seems not to be the case in the abovementioned countries for the moment.
The guarantee seems not to be in line with the Commission's notice on guarantees.
Nevertheless, at the end of September 2008 this progress seems not to be a reality.
My card entrance seems not to be working.
Following research, this seems not to be the case.
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...
Up to now this government has also refused to acknowledge these problems and seems not to be doing very much about them.
It is suggested that you keep all lights on... as the creature seems not to be able to stand bright light.
Unfortunately the Vulnerable Load Card seems not to be understood by many police and control agencies in the Member States.
This seems not to be the case, particularly in view of the quantity of information to be conveyed.
The file cannot be loaded, as it seems not to be an RTF document.
It seems not to be the case so we will proceed with the vote on Amendment 1 by roll-call vote.
The DEI plant at Kozani seems not to be included in the list of upper-tier Greek establishments communicated by the Greek authorities.
but it seems not to be implemented properly by Member countries.

Alternatives:

doesn't seem to be
appears not to be
looks not to be
isn't seeming to be
is not appearing to be

seems to be not

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

This phrase can be used for emphasis or to create a specific stylistic effect. It is less common than "seems not to be."