It Seems Like vs. It Seems That – Which is Correct?

Both “it seems like” and “it seems that” are grammatically correct and widely used in American English, though they carry subtle differences in formality and implication. “It seems that” is generally considered more formal and is often preferred in academic or professional writing, while “it seems like” is common in casual conversation and less formal texts.

“It Seems Like” or “It Seems That” – Which is Correct?

The good news is that both “it seems like” and “it seems that” are acceptable in modern English. The choice between them often boils down to a matter of style, formality, and subtle nuance. “It seems that” is typically used to introduce a statement or a perceived fact, giving a slightly more objective or formal tone. “It seems like,” on the other hand, is generally more informal and can often imply a comparison or a subjective impression, similar to “it looks as if” or “it feels as though.”

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think about formality. If you are writing for a formal context, such as an academic paper, a business report, or a legal document, opt for “it seems that.” The word “that” often introduces a subordinate clause stating a perceived fact. If you are speaking or writing casually, or want to convey a more subjective or comparative feeling, “it seems like” is perfectly acceptable. Think of “like” as suggesting a comparison or a strong impression, much like “looks like.”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
It seems like	Fixed phrase	Introduces a subjective impression, comparison, or informal observation.	It seems like a good idea.
It seems that	Fixed phrase	Introduces a perceived fact or situation, often more formal.	It seems that the project is on track.

How to Use “It Seems Like”

“It seems like” is a common phrase used to introduce a subjective impression, a comparison, or an informal observation. It’s highly versatile and frequently used in everyday conversation and less formal writing. When you use “it seems like,” you’re often conveying a feeling, a guess, or what something appears to be, rather than a definitive statement. It can be followed by a noun phrase or a clause.

Example 1: It seems like he’s having a tough day, given his quiet demeanor.

Example 2: It seems like a great opportunity to learn a new skill.

Example 3: After reviewing the data, it seems like we made the right decision.

Etymology of the word “It Seems Like”

The phrase “it seems like” combines the verb “seem” and the word “like.” “Seem” originates from the Old Norse word sœma, meaning “to conform, to honor,” evolving in Old English to mean “to suit” or “to appear.” “Like” comes from the Old English līc, meaning “body” or “form,” which developed into a preposition and later a conjunction meaning “similar to” or “in the manner of.” The pairing of “seem” with “like” to introduce a clause gained prominence in English around the 19th century, becoming a widely accepted informal construction.

How to Use “It Seems That”

“It seems that” is used to introduce a perceived fact or a situation that appears to be true. It carries a more formal and objective tone compared to “it seems like” and is often preferred in academic, journalistic, or professional contexts where a degree of formality and precision is valued. This construction typically introduces a subordinate clause, often implying a conclusion drawn from evidence or observation.

Example 1: It seems that the new policy has been well-received by employees.

Example 2: From the latest reports, it seems that the economy is slowly recovering.

Example 3: It seems that there are several factors contributing to the problem.

Etymology of the word “It Seems That”

The phrase “it seems that” also features the verb “seem,” tracing its roots to Old Norse sœma. The word “that” is one of the oldest and most versatile words in English, originating from the Old English demonstrative pronoun þæt. Over centuries, “that” evolved to function as a demonstrative adjective, relative pronoun, and, crucially here, a subordinating conjunction introducing noun clauses. The combination “it seems that” has been a standard formal construction in English for centuries, reflecting a more direct and less comparative way of introducing a perceived truth or situation.

Related Concepts

Understanding a few broader grammatical concepts can help clarify the appropriate use of “it seems like” and “it seems that” in various contexts.

• Subordinating Conjunctions: Words like “that,” “if,” “because,” and “while” are subordinating conjunctions. They introduce a subordinate clause, which cannot stand alone as a sentence. In “it seems that,” “that” functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that provides the content of what seems to be true.
• Phrasal Verbs and Fixed Expressions: Both “it seems like” and “it seems that” can be considered fixed expressions or idiomatic phrases, meaning their meaning is often understood as a unit rather than by analyzing each word individually. Their usage patterns are established by convention.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “It seems that the world is full of good people, if only you look for them.” – Adapted from a common sentiment in literature.
• “It seems like a dream, a strange, beautiful dream.” – From a contemporary novel.
• “The evidence suggests that it seems that the accused was indeed at the scene of the crime.” – From a legal report.
• “It seems like a lot of work for a small reward, but I’m determined to finish it.” – From a personal blog.
• “From the latest scientific findings, it seems that our understanding of the universe is constantly expanding.” – From a science news article.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. It seems _______ the meeting will be delayed due to technical issues.
2. After listening to his story, it seems _______ he was genuinely surprised.
3. It seems _______ a good time to invest in renewable energy.
4. The data indicates that it seems _______ the new product is gaining market share.
5. From the way she’s dressed, it seems _______ she’s going to a formal event.

Answer Key

1. that
2. that
3. like
4. that
5. like

It Seems Like Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
It looks like	Suggests a visual appearance or strong impression.
It feels like	Conveys a sensory or emotional impression.
It appears as if	More formal way to suggest an appearance or possibility.
It sounds like	Indicates an impression based on auditory information.

It Seems That Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
It appears that	Suggests an objective observation or conclusion.
It would seem that	A more cautious or polite way to introduce a perceived fact.
It is evident that	Indicates a clear and undeniable observation.
It is apparent that	Similar to “it is evident that,” suggesting clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “it seems like” grammatically incorrect?
No, “it seems like” is not grammatically incorrect. It is a widely accepted and commonly used phrase in informal and casual English, particularly in American English. While some traditionalists might prefer “it seems that,” modern usage accepts both.

Question 2: When should I choose “it seems that” over “it seems like”?
You should choose “it seems that” when you need a more formal, objective, or academic tone. It’s often preferred in professional writing, reports, essays, and situations where you are presenting a perceived fact or conclusion. “It seems like” is better suited for informal conversations, personal communications, or creative writing where a more casual or subjective voice is appropriate.

Question 3: Can “it seems like” be followed by a noun?
Yes, “it seems like” can be followed by a noun or noun phrase. For example, “It seems like a good idea” or “It seems like a lot of trouble.” In these cases, “like” acts as a preposition meaning “similar to” or “in the manner of,” connecting “seems” to the noun that follows.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both “it seems like” and “it seems that” are valid constructions in American English, and understanding their subtle differences allows for more precise communication. “It seems that” lends itself to more formal contexts, expressing a perceived fact or situation with a degree of objectivity. “It seems like” is more casual, often introducing a subjective impression, comparison, or informal observation. Choosing between them largely depends on the desired tone and the specific context of your communication.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, especially in professional or academic settings, opting for “it seems that” will generally maintain a more formal and widely accepted tone, enhancing your professional reputation.