seem

seem — 動詞

1. If someone or something seems a particular way, you get that idea from the way t

1.動詞不及物A2
釋義

看起來

基於外表或行為的印象

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.

例句

The children seemed happy when Mizuki told them about the trip.

Mizuki 跟大家說要出去玩的時候，孩子們看起來很開心。

seem + adjective for describing impression

Eli's new job seems like a good opportunity for his career.

Eli 的新工作看起來對他職涯是個好機會。

seem + like + noun phrase

同義詞
  • appear

    more formal than 'seem'; used especially when something is visible

  • look

    based specifically on visual appearance rather than general impression

反義詞
  • 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

❌She is seeming tired today.
✅She seems tired today.
💡'seem' is not usually used in the continuous form.
❌He seems like a nice person, but I do not know him well.
✅He seems like a nice person.
💡no structural error here, but learners often use 'seem like' when a simple adjective would be more natural: 'He seems nice.'

2. Used to make a statement about your own feelings, thoughts, or actions less dire

2.動詞不及物B1
釋義

好像

讓語氣較不直接肯定

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.

例句

I seem to have forgotten my wallet at the restaurant.

我好像把錢包忘在餐廳了。

Liam seems to think the meeting starts at ten o'clock.

Liam 好像以為會議是十點開始。

seem + to-infinitive for softened statement

同義詞
  • appear to

    more formal, less emotional; 'appear to have forgotten' sounds more detached

  • look like

    informal; 'looks like I forgot' is casual, 'seem to have forgotten' is more natural in neutral speech

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

❌I am seeming to forget your name.
✅I seem to have forgotten your name.
💡'seem' cannot take the continuous form even in this softening use.

3. Used to suggest something may be true, especially when you want to be polite or

3.動詞不及物B1
釋義

似乎

不確定或禮貌地暗示

Used to suggest something may be true, especially when you want to be polite or avoid sounding too certain or direct about a situation.

例句

It seems that William has already left the office for the day.

William 似乎已經離開辦公室了。

it seems + that-clause for polite suggestion

It seemed to Andrew that nobody was listening to his ideas.

Andrew 覺得似乎沒有人在乎他的想法。

同義詞
  • appears

    more formal; 'it appears that' is common in writing

  • looks like

    informal; 'looks like the shop is closed' is casual spoken English

反義詞

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

❌It seems that is raining.
✅It seems that it is raining.
💡the that-clause needs a full subject, not a contraction-skipped structure.

4. To have a particular opinion or impression about something after looking at the

4.動詞不及物B1
釋義

認為；覺得

根據情況形成的判斷

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.

例句

There seems to be a mistake in the bill from the restaurant.

餐廳的帳單似乎有錯誤。

there seems to be + noun phrase for stating existence

Élise seems to be the best person for the manager position.

Élise 被認為是經理職位最合適的人選。

同義詞
  • 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.

常見錯誤

❌There seem to be a problem.
✅There seems to be a problem.
💡use 'seems' (singular) before a singular noun after 'there'.
❌The manager-seems to be nice' (written as one word by typo).
✅The manager seems to be nice.
💡'seems' is a separate verb, not part of a compound noun.