Verb A2 — Elementary /siːm/

Seem — Definition, Examples & Pronunciation

A linking verb that expresses appearance or impression — what something looks like without certainty.

Quick Definition

Seem (verb) means to give the impression of being or doing something — to appear to be a certain way based on observation or feeling, without full certainty.

What Does Seem Mean?

Seem comes from Old Norse sœma (to conform to). In modern English it is a linking verb — it connects the subject to a description of how that subject appears. It expresses the speaker's perception rather than confirmed fact, making it essential for polite, tentative, or careful speech.

The three most common patterns are: seem + adjective ("she seems tired"), seem + to-infinitive ("he seems to understand"), and it seems that + clause ("it seems that the project is delayed"). All three convey impression rather than certainty.

Because seem softens statements, it is widely used in business and academic English to avoid overly blunt assertions. Phrases like "this seems incorrect", "it would seem that", and "as it seems" are all common in formal registers. In everyday speech, "seems like" is extremely frequent.

Word in Use

SentenceUsage note
The new student seems very confident in class.seem + adjective — appearance
It seems that the flight has been delayed.it seems that + clause — reported impression
She seems to know everyone at the party.seem + to-infinitive — tentative observation

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

Everything is seeming fine. (seem is stative — do not use in continuous)

Everything seems fine.

She seems know the answer.

She seems to know the answer. (use to-infinitive after seem)

Related Words

appear feel show look suggest indicate

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Wordsearch Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions about “seem”

What does seem mean in English?
Seem is a linking verb that means 'to give the impression of being something' or 'to appear to be'. For example: 'She seems tired' means she looks or acts tired, though you are not certain. It expresses the speaker's perception rather than a confirmed fact.
How do you use seem in a sentence?
Seem is followed by an adjective, a noun phrase, or an infinitive: 'He seems happy', 'It seems a good idea', 'She seems to know the answer.' You can also use 'it seems that' + clause: 'It seems that the meeting was cancelled.' Seem is never followed directly by another main verb without 'to'.
What is the difference between seem and look?
Both seem and look can describe appearance, but look refers mainly to visual impression ('She looks tired — her eyes are red'), while seem refers to a general overall impression that may come from multiple senses or reasoning ('The plan seems good'). Seem is softer and more tentative than look.
What is the CEFR level of seem?
Seem is an A2 (Elementary) word in the CEFR framework. It is one of the most common linking verbs in English and is essential for polite, tentative speech. Learners at A2 level should be able to use seem with basic adjectives and infinitive structures.
What are synonyms for seem?
Synonyms and near-synonyms include: appear (more formal), look (visual impression), feel (subjective experience), come across as (informal, about how someone presents themselves), strike someone as (e.g. 'It strikes me as odd'), and sound (for things heard or described verbally).
How do you pronounce seem?
Seem is pronounced /siːm/. It is a single syllable: one long 'ee' vowel sound followed by 'm'. The vowel is the same as in 'see', 'feel', and 'team'. Many learners confuse it with 'sim' — make sure the vowel is long and clear.
What are the conjugations of seem?
Seem follows regular conjugation: I/you/we/they seem; he/she/it seems; past tense seemed; past participle seemed; -ing form seeming. 'It seemed strange at the time.' Note that seem is rarely used in the continuous form — saying 'it is seeming' is incorrect in standard English.
Is seem a stative verb?
Yes, seem is a stative (or state) verb, which means it describes a state rather than an action. Like other stative verbs (know, believe, own), seem is not normally used in continuous tenses. Say 'it seems odd' not 'it is seeming odd'. This is a common grammar point for intermediate learners.
What does it seems like mean?
'It seems like' is an informal structure meaning 'it appears that' or 'I have the impression that': 'It seems like it's going to rain.' In formal writing, prefer 'it seems that' + clause. 'It seems like' followed by a noun is also common: 'It seems like a good plan.'
How can I practise the word seem on LexFizz?
Use LexFizz's Flash Cards to practise seem alongside linking verbs like appear, look, and feel. The Vocabulary Quiz tests seem in context sentences, and the Wordsearch helps you fix the spelling. Reviewing linking verbs as a group is an efficient way to master this word class.