- Have you ever wondered if you should say “it seems like” or “it seems to be”?
- Do you feel unsure about which adjectives naturally follow the word “seem”?
- Are you looking for ways to express your impressions in English without sounding repetitive or robotic?
Mastering Seem Collocations is a vital step toward achieving native-like fluency. In English, “seem” is a linking verb used to describe impressions or appearances rather than definite facts. Using the correct word combinations (collocations) allows you to express nuance, reduce language anxiety, and ensure your observations sound natural and professional in any context.
Common Collocations with SEEM as a Verb
In modern English, “seem” functions exclusively as a linking (copular) verb. It connects the subject of the sentence to an adjective, a noun phrase, or a verb phrase that describes it.
1. Seem + Adjectives (Describing Impressions)
This is the most frequent pattern. We use “seem” with adjectives to describe how someone or something appears at a particular moment.
- Seem likely: It seems likely that the meeting will be postponed.
- Seem impossible: At first, the task seemed impossible to complete on time.
- Seem reasonable: His explanation seemed reasonable given the circumstances.
- Seem happy/unhappy: They seem happy with the new office layout.
- Seem obvious: It seemed fairly obvious that she wasn’t telling the whole truth.
2. Seem + To-Infinitive (Describing Actions or States)
We use this structure to talk about a perceived state or an action that appears to be happening.
- Seem to be: You seem to be a bit tired today.
- Seem to know: He seems to know exactly what he is doing.
- Seem to have: There seems to have been a misunderstanding regarding the budget.
- Seem to forget: I seem to forget where I put my keys every single morning.
3. Seem + Like / As if / As though
These collocations are used to compare a situation to something else or to introduce a clause.
- Seem like: That seems like a great idea for the summer party!
- Seem as if: It seemed as if the rain would never stop.
- Seem as though: It seemed as though they had known each other for years.
4. Impersonal “It seems” Constructions
Using “it” as a dummy subject is very common in professional and academic English to sound more objective.
- It seems that: It seems that we have reached an agreement.
- It seems to me: It seems to me that we should focus on the marketing strategy first.
- It would seem: (More formal) It would seem there has been a clerical error.
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Seem likely | Verb + Adjective | To appear probable. |
| Seem to be | Verb + Infinitive | To give the impression of being. |
| Seem like | Verb + Preposition | To give the impression of a specific thing/idea. |
| It seems to me | Verb Phrase | In my opinion / Based on what I see. |
| Seem reasonable | Verb + Adjective | To appear fair or logical. |
| Seem to have | Verb + Perfect Infinitive | To appear to have done something in the past. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| It seems me that… | It seems to me that… |
| He is seeming tired. | He seems tired. (Seem is a stative verb) |
| She seems like happy. | She seems happy. (Use ‘like’ with nouns, not adjectives) |
| It seems to be a rain. | It seems like rain. or It’s raining. |
“I received your project proposal this morning. At first glance, it seems like a good idea, and the projected costs seem reasonable. However, there seems to have been a slight calculation error on page three. It seems to me that if we adjust the timeline, the goals will seem more achievable for the team. It seems likely that we can finalize this by Friday.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Seem Collocations
What is the difference between “seem” and “look”?
“Look” is specifically about visual appearance (He looks tired). “Seem” is broader and includes your general impression, feelings, or information you’ve heard (He seems tired could be based on his voice or his work quality, not just his face).
Can I use “seem” in the continuous (-ing) form?
When should I use “seem like” vs. “seem to be”?
Use “seem like” before a noun (It seems like a plan). Use “seem to be” before an adjective or a noun (He seems to be happy / He seems to be a nice guy). In casual speech, “seem like” is often used before adjectives, but “seem to be” or just the adjective alone is better for writing.
Is “It would seem” more formal than “It seems”?
Yes. “It would seem” is a softened, more polite, and formal way to state an observation, often used in business writing to avoid sounding too direct or aggressive.
Do I always need “to be” after “seem”?
No. You can often omit “to be” before an adjective. “She seems happy” and “She seems to be happy” are both correct, though “She seems happy” is more common and direct.
I often get confused with 'seem' and 'appear'. The article is a good start. I'll re-read to grasp the subtle differences.
This post highlights such an important aspect of fluency. Moving beyond basic sentence structures makes a huge difference. Thanks!
Excellent resource for understanding tricky English nuances. These collocations are truly essential for sounding natural. Bookmarking for future reference!
Wow, this is exactly what I needed! I always second-guessed myself with 'seem'. This clarification on adjectives and noun phrases is golden. 'Seem happy' vs 'seem to be happy' is still a bit confusing, though. Is there a subtle difference?
That's an excellent follow-up question, Mariana! While 'seem happy' and 'seem to be happy' are often interchangeable, 'seem to be happy' can sometimes add a touch more formality or a slight emphasis on the 'state' of being. 'Seem happy' is more direct and common in everyday speech. Both are grammatically correct and convey the same primary meaning: expressing an impression about someone's state.
This is a comprehensive guide to 'seem' usage. I'm an advanced learner, and even I picked up some useful nuances. The explanation of it as a linking verb is key.
The example 'The task seemed impossible to complete on time' is very relatable! This article really addresses a common point of confusion for many learners. I'm bookmarking this!
Great article! Very clear and concise. I'm curious, are there any common regional differences in how 'seem' is used? For instance, between American English and British English?
Thanks, Oliver! Generally, 'seem' is used quite similarly across major English varieties. However, one subtle difference sometimes noted is the frequency of 'seem like' versus 'seem as if/though'. While 'seem like' + clause is very common in American English ('It seems like it's going to rain'), British English speakers might slightly prefer 'seem as if/though' in more formal contexts, though 'seem like' is also widely used in informal speech. The core collocations remain consistent.
I loved the part about reducing language anxiety. When you know the right collocations, you feel so much more confident! Thank you for this valuable resource.
This really helps me sound less robotic. I often struggle with sounding natural. My question: is 'seem' followed by a bare infinitive ever correct? Like 'He seems understand'?
That's a very common query, Diego! No, 'seem' is not followed by a bare infinitive. It always requires 'to' before the infinitive. So, instead of 'He seems understand,' it should be 'He seems to understand.' Similarly, 'It seems to be working' or 'They seem to have left.' Keep up the great work on natural expression!
Fantastic tips for native-like fluency! The examples like 'seem likely' and 'seem impossible' are very practical. Could you briefly touch upon the difference between 'seem' and 'appear' in similar contexts?
Great question, Chloe! While 'seem' and 'appear' are often interchangeable, 'appear' can sometimes place a slightly stronger emphasis on visual evidence or what is outwardly observable, even if it might be deceptive. 'Seem' can be based on visual, auditory, or even sensory evidence, and often implies a personal impression. For example, 'He appears angry' might mean his face looks angry, while 'He seems angry' could be based on his tone of voice or general demeanor, not just his facial expression.