Using seem

Seem can be used to talk about people, things or situations that leave a certain impression in the mind. It has a similar meaning to ‘think’ or ‘feel’.

I don’t think she is interested in you.

We can express the same idea using seem.

She doesn’t seem to be interested in you. OR She doesn’t seem interested in you.

I don’t think she is fit for the job.

She doesn’t seem to be fit for the job.

I think you are making a mistake.

It seems that you are making a mistake. OR She seems to be making a mistake.

I don’t think she has a passport.

She doesn’t seem to have a passport.

I don’t think Susie is ready to marry Jack.

Susie doesn’t seem to be ready to marry Jack.

I don’t think she is happy.

She doesn’t seem to be happy.

I don’t think she eats well.

She doesn’t seem to eat well.

I think he has been promoted.

He seems to have been promoted.

I think she has some involvement in the scam.

She seems to have some involvement in the scam.

I think they have moved to another city.

They seem to have moved to another city.

Seem and seem to be

Both seem and seem to be are possible in most cases. They are some subtle differences between the structures, but they are not very important.

It seems they are worried.

They seem to be worried. OR They seem worried.