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Verb patterns

Seem like or seem to?

Both forms are common, but they are used differently. Seem like is followed by a noun phrase or clause, while seem to is followed by a verb.

Quick answer

How to use seem like and seem to

Use seem like before a noun phrase or a full clause. Use seem to before a verb. Do not use seem to with a noun directly.

It seems like a good idea.
She seems to understand the problem.
It seems like they are already here.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
seem like + noun phrase

Describing an impression

Use seem like before a noun or noun phrase.

This seems like the right answer.
That seems like a risky decision.
2
seem like + clause

Giving an impression about a situation

Use seem like before a clause, especially in informal English.

It seems like nobody noticed the error.
It seems like we missed the train.
3
seem to + verb

Talking about appearance or probability

Use seem to before the base form of a verb.

They seem to agree with us.
The engine seems to be working again.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
seem like + noun
It seems like a mistake.
Expresses an impression about something.
seem to + verb
He seems to know the answer.
Suggests that something appears to be true.
seem like + clause
It seems like she left early.
Introduces a situation or idea, often informally.
seem to + noun
She seems to a good manager.
Incorrect. Use seem like a good manager or seems to be a good manager.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using seem to before a noun

Seem to normally needs a verb after it.

✕ It seems to a bad plan. ✓ It seems like a bad plan.

Forgetting the verb after seem to

Use the base form of a verb after seem to.

✕ They seem happy. ✓ They seem to be happy.

Using like after seem in very formal writing

In formal style, seem to be may sound more natural than seem like.

✓ The results seem to be accurate.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She seems ___ understand the instructions.
2. It seems ___ a strange coincidence.
3. It seems like they ___ already finished.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say seem like in formal English?

Yes, but seem to be is often preferred in more formal writing.

What comes after seem to?

Use the base form of a verb, such as seem to know or seem to work.

Is seem like followed by a verb?

Not directly. It is usually followed by a noun phrase or a full clause.

sack, by, sack, for, sack, from "sacrifice for" or "sacrifice to"? sail from, in, for, to or through? "salvage from" or "salvage in"? sanction by, for, in, with or according? satisfy with, by, in, about or after? "saturate with" or "saturate in"? save by, for, from, on or in? "say in", "say about" or "say to"? "scan for", "scan in" or "scan through"? "scar by" or "scar on"? scatter in, across, around, throughout or on?

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