seem
/sim/
Reviewed on
Type
Verb
Meaning
To appear to be something or to be true, based on what you see or know.
You seem a little tired today. Did you sleep well?
Used with 'can't' or 'couldn't' to say that someone is not able to do something, even though they are trying.
I can't seem to find my car keys anywhere.
How it's used
When this means “describes how someone or something appears”
- seem + adjective
The new neighbors seem friendly.
When this means “says that something appears to happen or be true”
- seem to + verb
The printer seems to be working again.
When this means “a softer way to give information or an opinion”
- it seems (that) + clause
It seems that the store closed early today.
When this means “a polite way to point out a problem”
- there seems to be + noun
There seems to be a mistake on my bill.
When this means “be unable to do something despite trying”
- can't seem to + verb
She can't seem to remember his name.
Collocations
- seem like
- seem fine
- seem strange
- seem to think