seem
seem — verb
1. If someone or something seems a particular way, you get that idea from the way t
If someone or something seems a particular way, you get that idea from the way they look, sound, or behave — even if you are not completely sure it is true.
The children seemed happy when Mizuki told them about the trip.
seem + adjective for describing impression
Eli's new job seems like a good opportunity for his career.
seem + like + noun phrase
The kitchen seemed clean after Tanvi mopped the floor.
To Tyler, the exam seemed much harder than he had expected.
The old house seemed as if nobody had lived there for years.
- be
describes reality rather than impression; 'is' states a fact, 'seems' leaves room for doubt
文法句型
seem + adjective
seem + noun phrase
seem + like
seem + as if / as though
用法筆記
Non-progressive: 'seem' is not normally used in continuous forms. Use the simple present or past instead (❌ 'is seeming' → ✅ 'seems').
常見錯誤
2. Used to make a statement about your own feelings, thoughts, or actions less dire
Used to make a statement about your own feelings, thoughts, or actions less direct or definite — often because you do not want to sound too sure, or because you are embarrassed to admit something.
I seem to have forgotten my wallet at the restaurant.
Liam seems to think the meeting starts at ten o'clock.
seem + to-infinitive for softened statement
Heloísa seems to have lost interest in playing the guitar.
We seem to be spending more money than we earn this month.
Sirin seems to have caught a cold — she keeps sneezing.
文法句型
seem + to-infinitive
用法筆記
This sense is most natural in the first person (I seem…, We seem…) when talking about oneself. In the third person, it can express tentative certainty: 'Liam seems to think so' suggests the speaker is not fully sure but believes Liam thinks that way.
常見錯誤
3. Used to suggest something may be true, especially when you want to be polite or
Used to suggest something may be true, especially when you want to be polite or avoid sounding too certain or direct about a situation.
It seems that William has already left the office for the day.
it seems + that-clause for polite suggestion
It seemed to Andrew that nobody was listening to his ideas.
It seems like the restaurant is fully booked tonight.
It seems as though Obi enjoys working with children.
- appears
more formal; 'it appears that' is common in writing
- looks like
informal; 'looks like the shop is closed' is casual spoken English
- it is clear that
expresses certainty rather than suggestion
文法句型
It seems + (that) + clause
用法筆記
Frequently used in the fixed pattern 'it seems (that)…' where 'it' is a dummy subject. The 'that' can be omitted in informal speech: 'It seems nobody is home.' Adding 'to me' makes the opinion feel more personal and modest: 'It seems to me that you are right.'
常見錯誤
4. To have a particular opinion or impression about something after looking at the
To have a particular opinion or impression about something after looking at the facts or thinking about it — for example, considering someone to be the best person for a job, or believing there is a problem with something.
There seems to be a mistake in the bill from the restaurant.
there seems to be + noun phrase for stating existence
Élise seems to be the best person for the manager position.
To Emre, the new schedule seems to be working better than the old one.
There seem to be several reasons why the project was cancelled.
The new policy seems to be causing more problems than it solves.
- appear to be
more formal; 'appears to be the best option' sounds more objective
- come across as
informal; focuses on the impression someone gives to others
文法句型
seem + to be + noun/adjective
there seems to be + noun phrase
用法筆記
Followed by 'to be' to express a considered judgment. The pattern 'there seems to be' (with singular) or 'there seem to be' (with plural) is very common for politely stating that something exists or is the case.