Upper-Intermediate 📐 Grammar · #165 of 305

Distancing with Seem and Appear

Hedge claims.

Examples

  • He seems to have left.

Key rules

  • Use seem/appear + to-infinitive or that-clause to soften claims
  • It seems that ...
  • Perfect: seems to have done
  • Not used with continuous forms of seem normally

Common mistakes

  • He seems that be tired → He seems to be tired
  • It seems he is → It seems that he is
💡 Tip: These verbs show you are not fully certain.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Upper-Intermediate quiz
← NominalisationComplex Noun Phrases →

Related Upper-Intermediate topics

See all Upper-Intermediate grammar lessons →

Inversion with Negative Adverbials

Place auxiliary before subject after never, rarely, no sooner.

Cleft Sentences

It is/was ... that, What... is.. to emphasise.

Subjunctive Mood

Use base form after demands and suggestions.

Advanced Modals: Needn't, Dare, Ought To

Less common modal forms.

Future in the Past

was going to / would to describe past plans.

Participle Clauses (Advanced)

Perfect and passive participles join ideas.