Common Mistake: Sees vs. Seems

One common mistake that many people make in their writing is confusing the words "sees" and "seems." These words may sound similar, but they have different meanings and usage. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide examples to clarify their proper usage.

Sees

"Sees" is a verb that is used when someone uses their eyes to perceive or observe something. It is the present tense form of the verb "see." Here are a few examples:

• She sees a beautiful sunset every evening from her balcony.
• I see a car approaching in the distance.
• He sees a dog running in the park.

Seems

"Seems" is also a verb, but it is used to express a subjective opinion or impression. It indicates that something appears to be true, but it might not necessarily be a fact. Here are a few examples:

• It seems like it's going to rain today.
• She seems happy with her new job.
• He seems to be a reliable person.

It's important to note that "seems" is often followed by an adjective or a verb in the infinitive form.

For example:

• He seems tired after working all day.
• She seems to have a lot of potential.

So, when determining whether to use "sees" or "seems" in your writing, consider if you are referring to visual perception or expressing an opinion or impression.

Linguix grammar checker can help you avoid confusing "sees" and "seems" by providing real-time suggestions and explanations for these and other grammar mistakes.