Are you looking for a way to describe how something seems formally?
Maybe you’re concerned that “it seems like” is a bit unprofessional or informal.
Well, you’ve come to the right place if you want to learn more about it!
This article will teach you how to say “it seems like” in a formal context.
Other Ways to Say “It Seems Like”
- It’s evident that
- It looks as if
- It would seem that
- It’s clear that
- It gives the impression
- It appears that
- It’s plausible that
- It presents itself as
- It strikes one that
- It’s likely
- It’s perceived that
- It looks like
- It’s ostensibly the case that
- It is reasonable to assume that
- It’s likely that
- It’s probable that
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “It seems like” is correct, but it’s not a great phrase to use in most formal cases.
- “It’s evident that” works really well as a formal synonym to help you sound more professional and confident.
- “It looks as if” works as a suitable professional alternative if that suits your tone better.
Keep reading to learn what to say instead of “it seems like.” We’ve explained more regarding the best formal options to help you branch out in your writing.
Also, the final section will explore whether it’s correct to say “it seems like.” If you’d rather learn more about that, it might be worth skipping to the end.
It’s Evident That
We recommend using “it’s evident that” as another way to say “it seems like.”
After all, it’s professional and direct. So, it’s an excellent way to highlight that something is clear and reasonable to assume from the evidence you already have.
For example, you can use this when writing to a client.
It suggests that you’ve noticed something about how you communicate with them and you’d like to discuss it further.
If you still don’t get it, you can review the following sample email:
Dear Ms. Smith,
It’s evident that we need to work on our communication.
Are you free for a meeting at the end of the week to discuss plans?
Yours,
Taylor Stannard
We also recommend using it in academic writing.
For the most part, it’s a good option that allows you to express your results clearly. It helps the reader understand what you’ve deduced from your studies.
Check out the following sample to learn more about how it can work:
It’s evident that these results were not intended. However, we will continue to work with them, as they are the only ones we have.
It Looks as If
You can also write “it looks as if” instead of “it seems like.”
Generally, this is another professional alternative that suggests one thing seems to be something else.
For instance, you can use this when writing to a student.
If they’ve recently handed in a completed assignment, you might use this to let them know they’ve made some mistakes. It gives them a chance to go back over it without you being too pushy.
Also, it helps that the phrase is not bossy. So, the student will feel less like you’re attacking them and more like you’re supporting them.
You should also check out this email sample to learn more:
Dear Duncan,
It looks as if you will need to work through this again.
I’m afraid there are a few too many mistakes, but I’ve given you some suggestions.
Yours,
Michael Shaw
If you don’t want to use it in an email, you can also use it in an essay.
For example, you can include it when reviewing or evaluating your own research. This allows you to decide whether it’s good enough or if some things need correcting.
Check out the following example to learn more:
It looks as if more work must be done. Therefore, I will continue to see what I can do to make sure this is correct.
Is It Correct to Say “It Seems Like”?
It is correct to say “it seems like.” However, it is not formal.
It’s a great way to show how something appears and what you might describe it as.
With that said, it’s better to use it in more informal situations. Therefore, you won’t often use it in emails or essays.
Still, you can review this message sample to learn a bit more about it:
It seems like we agree on this! So, I think it’s worth us exploring our options to see what comes next!
Before using it, though, you have to know a few things.
First, it’s a common mistake to use “seem” instead of “seems.” You must always include the “s” after “seem.”
For example:
- Correct: It seems like
- Incorrect: It seem like
Second, you can say “it seems that.” However, this is more conversational, so it’s more often seen in spoken English.
For instance:
- It seems that neither of us can make a decision.
You should also bookmark this page before you leave us! Then, you can return here whenever you need to remind yourself of the best synonyms for “it seems like.”