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seem

A2
verb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /sˈiːm/

US

  • /ˈsim/

Description

Have you ever walked into a room and it just seemed chilly, even if the thermostat said otherwise? That is "seem" at work. It describes how something appears to be, rather than what it definitely is. It is all about the impression something gives. If a colleague is quiet during a meeting, they might seem shy, but perhaps they are simply deep in thought.

"Seem" is not a strong statement of fact; it shows that things are not always exactly as they look. You can say, "It seems like rain," when dark clouds make you think a storm is coming, but you are not certain yet. Or, "He seems happy," when his behavior gives that impression. It is a useful word when you are making a guess based on what you notice.

Examples

  1. 1

    Appearance

    You seem tired today.

  2. 2

    Taste

    The soup seems too salty.

  3. 3

    Personal impression

    That plan seems risky to me.

    • Pattern

      seem + adjective + to me

      this is my impression

  4. 4

    Work habits

    He seems to enjoy working alone.

  5. 5

    Existence

    There seems to be a problem with the printer.

    • Pattern

      there seems to be + noun

      it appears that something exists

  6. 6

    Past judgment

    It seemed like a good idea at the time.

  7. 7

    Apparent truth

    It seems that everyone has already left.

    • Pattern

      it seems that + clause

      a common way to say something appears to be true

  8. 8

    Failed attempt

    He can't seem to find his keys.

    • Pattern

      can't seem to + verb

      keep trying, but still not manage to

  9. 9

    As-if impression

    It seems as if nobody noticed the mistake.

    • Pattern

      seem as if + clause

      gives that impression

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • seemverb

Forms

  • seemsverb
  • seemedpast tenseverb
  • seeming-ing formverb