Seem is a verb used to express that something appears to be a certain way, based on impression or perception rather than definite fact. It suggests a view or feeling about a situation or person, often leaving room for doubt or further confirmation.
- Used to express an impression or appearance, not a confirmed fact.
- Commonly followed by adjectives, nouns, or clauses.
- Highlights a subjective point of view or initial perception.
Forms and Structure
- Base form: seem
- 3rd person singular: seems
- Past: seemed
- Present participle: seeming
Typical Patterns
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| seem + adj | She seems happy. |
| seem + noun | They seem like good candidates. |
| seem + that + clause | It seems that we’re lost. |
| [Subject] + seem + to + verb | He seems to understand the problem. |
Correct usages include 'She seems tired.' and 'It seems they are arriving soon.'
'Seem' takes the forms: seem, seems, seemed.
Usage in Context
Seem expresses uncertainty or a subjective impression. It's a way to share how things look from your perspective, not as a confirmed fact.
| Situation | Example | Translation (French) |
|---|---|---|
| Impression | She seems tired today. | Elle semble fatiguée aujourd'hui. |
| Speculation | It seems like it will rain. | Il semble qu'il va pleuvoir. |
| First Impression | You seem very knowledgeable. | Tu sembles très connaissant. |
| Reporting Perception | They seem happy with the results. | Ils semblent satisfaits des résultats. |
'Seem' is used to express an impression or when you are not sure.
Correct constructions: 'He seems upset.', 'She seems to know the answer.', 'It seems that they are leaving.'
Seem + Adjective
When you want to express that someone or something appears to possess a certain quality, use seem followed by an adjective.
- Correct: "He seems tired."
- Incorrect: "He seems tiredly."
Examples
- The soup seems hot.
- They seem ready for the exam.
- You seem upset today.
'She seems excited about the trip.' is correct.
Correct are 'The idea seems good.' and 'He seems approachable.'
Seem + Noun (or Noun Phrase)
To express that someone or something appears to be a certain kind of person or thing, use seem with "like" (or "as if") and a noun or noun phrase.
- Correct: "They seem like friends."
- Incorrect: "They seem friends."
Examples
- You seem like a professional.
- That car seems like a good deal.
- She seems like someone you can trust.
Correct are 'You seem like a teacher.' and 'They seem like good candidates.'
Seem + That-Clause
You can also use seem to introduce an opinion or view about a situation using a that-clause.
- Correct: "It seems that he is right."
- Incorrect: "It seems he is right that."
Examples
- It seems that we have a problem.
- She seems that she will attend the meeting. (Incorrect)
- They seem that they know the answer. (Incorrect)
Correct: "They seem to know the answer." / "It seems that they know the answer."
'It seems that we're lost.' is correct, but 'She seems that she understands the problem.' is incorrect. Instead, say 'She seems to understand the problem.'
Seem + To + Verb
When you want to express that someone appears to be doing something (or will do something), use seem + to + base verb.
- Correct: "He seems to know the answer."
- Incorrect: "He seems knowing the answer."
Examples
- They seem to be enjoying themselves.
- You seem to understand the instructions.
- She seems to have missed the bus.
The correct sentence is 'She seems to be very busy.'
Correct are 'He seems to like chocolate.' and 'They seem to be correct.'
Exercises
- Choose the correct form of seem: (seem/seems/seemed) "She _ happy about the news."
- Complete with an adjective: "The plan (seem) _ (reasonable)."
- Make a sentence with seem + to + verb about studying (positive or negative).
- Identify and correct the mistake: "They seem very friendlyly."
- Write a sentence using seem + that about the weather.
Conclusion
Seem is a valuable verb for expressing impressions and avoiding absolute statements, making conversations more nuanced and polite.
- Use seem to describe appearances, impressions, or feelings—not definite facts.
- Match its form and structure for smooth, natural communication.
- Practice with real-life examples for mastery and confidence.