Difference between "seem to" and "seem to be"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi Amy, Alan, Conchita, MM

Could you tell me the difference between
seem to and seem to be? My book gives me an explanation but I don’t think I can trust it completely :lol:

2

Hi Pamela,

It really depends how you use the verb. ‘To be’ after ‘seems’ is a simple infinitive after ‘seems’ and is no different from: begins to be in contrast to begins on its own. But I assume you want to know the difference when you are using a following adjective as in these examples: She seems happy and She seems to be happy. In both cases there is an ‘appearance’ of happiness and there is little to distinguish one from the other except that ‘to be happy’ does add a slightly more positive note.

Hope that’s of use.

A

3

Thanks, Alan!

4

Hi Pamela

Just to clarify…

Did you really mean to ask about the difference between (1) ‘seem to be’ and ‘seem to’?
(That’s what is in your question… )

Or is your question about a difference between (2) ‘seem to be’ and ‘seem’ (without ‘to’)?

In the second situation, I would tend to construct sentences differently this way, for example:

That solution seems more practical.
That seems to be a more practical solution.

So, tell us, what does your book claim? :lol:

Amy

5

Hi Amy
Sorry, I meant without the particle “to”. Difference between seem and seem to be :slight_smile:

6

Hi Pamela

Sorry, I edited my first post as you were replying (see above)

Amy

7

My book proved to be qualified in this matter but not in all aspects. Thank you very much for your feedback!

8

Hi Pamela

I’d just like to stress that the sentences I wrote are my own tendency. You can also write something like this:

That seems a more practical solution.

Amy

9

Hi

Sorry my off-topic question.

Can anybody say, whether in English the phrase ‘I can’t trust him completely’ means ‘I can’t trust him at all’
or ‘I still have some doubts about him (despite I trust him, in general)’
?

10

Hello Tamara

I would say the latter. Not competely in the sense of “not entirely”.

Cheers
L. L.

11

Hi Tamara

It could depend on the context somewhat. If someone were trying to be polite/diplomatic about voicing a complete lack of trust in someone, they might well say it that way.

Compare:
“There seems to be a slight problem.”

In reality this often means that we have a large problem.

Amy

12

Hi

Thanks.

I feel that word order can also influence, but how…

Say… is there a difference in sayings (if they are possible :)):

‘He isn’t trustworthy completely’’.
and
‘He is not completely trustworthy’.

…mmm… sorry… I don’t know how to ask what I want to ask… :?