The phrase “seems like” is common to use when you’re trying to describe something or someone. In this article, we’ll look at the meaning of the phrase closely and see what synonyms we might be able to use in place of it too.
What Does “Seems Like” Mean?
“Seems like” means that someone or something appears to be a certain way, i.e., “he seems like a nice guy.” This phrase means that we believe somebody to be a “nice guy” without having much more information about him to know whether that’s true.
The definition of “seem,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “to give the effect of being; to be judged to be.”
“Seem” is a verb, which is why we must use “like” after it; otherwise, we would be misusing it.
Is It Correct To Say “Seems Like”?
“Seems like” is correct to say. It’s similar to saying “seems to be” or “appears to be.” Both of those verb structures work because we’re using “to be.” In “seems like,” we use “like” as the verb.
Generally, “seems like” is the most common way that you’ll say somebody or something seems to be a certain way. It’s common for native speakers to use it in such a way to express their opinion about something, usually without having the complete picture of whether that opinion is correct.
How Do You Use “Seems Like” In A Sentence?
To help you understand when “seems like” is most common, we’ll include some examples. From there, you’ll be able to tell precisely how to use the phrase so that you can start sharing it with your friends.
- It seems like it’s going to be a long day with you today.
- It seems like you had a lot of fun yesterday.
- It seems like you have a problem. Is there anything I can do to help?
- It seems like yesterday wasn’t the best day to try that, was it?
- It seems like, like everybody, you’re struggling to get by.
- It seems like everybody is trying to figure out the next steps.
- It seems like he’s a nice guy.
- He seems like a kind person.
- This seems like a bad city.
- You seem like an intelligent person.
The verb form “seem” typically uses “seems” in this case because we’re using the pronoun “it” or “this” beforehand. It also stays as “seems” when we use “he” or “she.” However, any other pronoun (like “you” in example 10) uses “seem” without the “S” at the end.
Synonyms For “Seems Like”
There are plenty of alternatives you can use instead of “seems like” if you’re not comfortable with it.
- Appears to be
- Seems to be
- Shows signs of
- Gives the impression
- Seems
- Appears
- Comes across as
- Comes off as
- Looks like
These are some of the best synonyms we could come up with for “seems like.” It’s up to you which of them you think is best.
Generally, all of the above synonyms mean the same as “seems like.” We can use them to give people an idea of our opinion of someone or something without developing a bigger picture for it.
Is “Seems Like” Different From “Looks Like”?
“Seems like” means that we’re sharing an opinion about something and can relate to a personality, behavior, or general feeling we get. “Looks like” means that something looks a particular way and only reflects a look.
“Seems like” is much more general. It can apply to various areas when we use it. “Looks like” is more specific, and we typically only use it to talk about how someone or something looks.
- He looks like a handsome man.
- This looks like a nice place to set up.
How Is “Seems Like” Different From Just Using “Seems”?
“Seems like” relates someone or something to be “like” something else. It means we don’t know much about that thing, but they “seem” a certain way. “Seems” on its own simply means something appears one way. We usually have more information when using “seems.”
- He seems like a nice guy.
We barely know who “he” is, but he gives off good vibes here.
- He seems to be a nice guy.
We’ve come to know who “he” is slightly better, and it’s clear he’s still a “nice guy.”
You may also like:
“It Seems” vs. “It Seems That” – Difference Explained
Seem or Seems – Easy Usage Guide (With Examples)
“Seems To Be” Meaning (And When It Is Used Instead Of “Seems”)
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
