English Grammar: seem. ‘Seem’ is a word that is very useful, especially when using polite language. But, are you using it correctly?
USE
- use the word ‘seem’ to say that something appears to be a certain way.
- Also use it in polite language to present your idea about something.
- NOTE: do not use ‘seem’ as a continuous verb. It is a stative verb.
FORM
There are two ways to use the word ‘seem’.
- with an infinitive
- as a linking verb
SEEM WITH INFINITIVE
- Subject + seem + infinitive
- She seems to always show up 20 minutes late.
- He seemed to know the answer.
- Subject + seem + to be + noun
- She seems to always be 20 minutes late
- There seems to be a mistake.
SEEM AS A LINKING VERB
Linking verbs are verbs that are used to describe the subject. Common examples are ‘seem’ and ‘be’.
- Subject + seem + adjective/noun
- It seems strange that she didn’t come to the party.
- It seems a waste of time to drive in such a small city.
SEEM AS A LINKING VERB WITH A CLAUSE
Remember, ‘that clauses‘ include a subject and a verb, so after ‘that’, ‘as if’, ‘as though’ and ‘like’, we need to use a subject and a verb.
- It + seems + that
- It seems that they won.
- It + seems + as if
- It seems as if he knew they were going to win.
- It + seems + as though
- It seemed as though she was upset about something.
- It + seems + like
- It seems like everyone is going.
English Grammar
Now that you have seen ‘English Grammar: seem’, take a look at our other English Grammar posts:
Grammar: Stative verbs
Grammar: Present Continuous
