this may look vs this may seem

Both 'this may look' and 'this may seem' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'This may look' is often used when referring to physical appearance or visual perception, while 'this may seem' is more commonly used when expressing an opinion or perception. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and the intended meaning.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 2412 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when referring to physical appearance or visual perception.

"this may look"

Use 'this may look' when describing how something appears visually or in terms of physical appearance. It implies a direct observation or assessment.

Examples:

This may look like a simple task, but it's actually quite challenging.
This may look like a regular painting, but it's actually a masterpiece.
This may look easy, but it requires a lot of skill.
This may look like a mess, but there's actually a system to it.
This may look like a small issue, but it can have significant consequences.

Show examples from the web [+]

Now, this may look like a desperate measure because it is.
Okay, this may look scary.
Look, this may look simple to you.
To the untrained eye this may look like just another bungalow.
I know that this may look bad, but you...
I understand how this may look like sloppy bloodwork to the layman.
I can see how this may look bad, but it's the truth.
(Richard) Now to you, this may look like a scene from the Will Smith's I Am Legend.
It was dark and foggy that night, and if you're in a hurry, this may look like quite a cliff when looking down from up there.
Okay, this may look scary, but -
Now, this may look like a Tic Tac... but it is really a powerful medication specifically designed to cure your illness as well as freshen your breath.
What's going on here? Janet, this, this may look like home to you, but it's not.
Now this may look like a bunch of dots to you, but each one of these individual dots is actually a unique piece of the human genome that we spotted down on glass.
This may look strange, but it's necessary.
This may look simple, but it has better security than the Pentagon.
This may look like people standing around doing nothing.
This may look easy to cut, but it's not.
This may look funny to you, but it does what it is supposed to do & mdash; test your configuration...
This may look like science fiction, but make no mistake - the military's been developing this technology for years.
This may look like a vacation, but it doesn't feel like one.

Alternatives:

this may appear
this may seem
this may be perceived as
this may give the impression of
this may come across as

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when expressing an opinion or perception.

"this may seem"

Use 'this may seem' when expressing a subjective opinion or perception about something. It implies a personal interpretation or judgment.

Examples:

This may seem like a good idea at first, but it has its drawbacks.
This may seem like a small problem, but it can escalate quickly.
This may seem like a long wait, but it's worth it in the end.
This may seem like a difficult task, but with practice, it becomes easier.
This may seem like a minor detail, but it's crucial to the overall design.

Show examples from the web [+]

To many dissatisfied Czechs this may seem like window dressing, yet I remain optimistic.
Now, this may seem an odd day for this, but I think it's time I delivered my wedding toast.
Now, this may seem strange.
I know this may seem draconian and even authoritarian, but his measure was fully supported by General Council.
Marty, this may seem a little forward... but I was kind of wondering... if you'd ask me to the... Enchantment Under the Sea dance on Saturday?
And this may seem strange, but... you can't ask me why.
This being so, and even if this may seem very optimistic and even paradoxical, the enlargement of the European Union could favour the emergence of a true common foreign and defence policy and a true European identity.
This may seem like Paradise for policy wonks, but it also has significant implications for government choices.
This may seem unnecessary, but over the years, some weird stuff has found its way into my nose.
This may seem sudden, but I've fallen for you, Aoki.
This may seem an odd time to praise the EU, given the economic crises in Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Ireland.
This may seem like asking the obvious, but were you trampled by a horse?
This may seem an odd query, but Mrs. Lancaster's reaction when we delivered Miss Sara
Now, this may seem like an odd question.
Look, this may seem sudden, but I've given it some thought.
I realize this may seem like a waste of time to someone with your power, but there's an ache in my bones, my boy.
Kiddo, I know this may seem sudden to you, but it doesn't to me.
Now this may seem a little bit harsh, but in my world kindness is mistaken for weakness.
Listen, I know this may seem forward and quick, but I was wondering if I could ask a favor of you.
And finally, Mr President, although this may seem obvious, we must ensure that we protect consumers.

Alternatives:

this may look
this may appear
this may be perceived as
this may give the impression of
this may come across as

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this may look vs this may seem

"this may look"

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