English Sentence Patterns Level 3

 

English Sentence Patterns Level 3

 

Sentence Patterns using "It seems like..."

We use "seem" when something appears to be true, probable, or likely.

We use this sentence pattern when we think something is true, but we do not know for sure. Also, there is some reason or evidence for why we think something.

• It seems like it will rain. = I think it will rain.

Both of the sentences above are correct and they have the same meaning.

• He seems like he is nice. = I think he is nice.

"He seems like he is nice." means I think he is nice, but I am not sure. Maybe, I have only met him one time, so I can't be 100% sure. "I think he is nice." can have two meanings – my opinion or my guess.

Subject + seem(s) like + noun...

• He seems like a scary boss.
• They seem like best friends.
• The two women seem like sisters.
• She seems like a nice lady.
• Mark seems like a funny person.
• Tim and Karen seem like great coworkers.
• This art gallery seems like a cool place.
• Ben seems like a smart guy.
• She seems like a wonderful teacher.

Subject + seem(s) like + sentence

The subjects must match with this kind of sentence except if the subject is "it". If "it" is the subject it can match or be something different (the last two examples show this).

• They seem like they are in love.
• He seems like he gets angry easily.
• She seems like she is hard to work with.
• They seem like they are getting ready to leave.
• This coffee shop seems like it is becoming popular.
• They seem like they love their job.
• It seems like Mary is nice.
• It seems like he is tired.

Bonus Tips and Points

1. Although it is not very common to use the subject "I" with seem, it is natural in the sentence patterns below.

If I seem like..., (then)...
If it seems like I...., then....

• If I seem like I am tired today, then I apologize.
• If I seem like I am not paying attention, please be assured that I am.
• If it seems like I am about to fall asleep, then wake me up.
• If it seems like I am talking to a boring person, then call my cell phone, so I can have an excuse to get away.

2. We can make past tense sentences.

• It didn't seem like a good idea.
• She didn't seem like a kind person.
• He did not seem like he was interested in our offer.

Real-World English Conversations

A) Let's go into the classroom.
B) It seems like it is too early to go in. Nobody else is going in.

A) Do you want to go on a picnic today?
B) Look at those dark clouds. It seems like it is going to rain. Let's check the weather first.

A) She seems like a nice person.
B) Yes, she is. Mary is so kind.

A) They seem like a great couple.
B) Yes, they are always happy when they are together.

A) This restaurant seems like a popular place.
B) That's right. It is the new hot spot.

A) He seems like he is in a bad mood today.
B) You are right. That is not like him. He is usually very happy and upbeat.

A) I heard you got a job offer.
B) Yes, but I turned it down. The company didn't seem like a good place to work.

Sentence Patterns using "It seems that..."

When something appears to be true or likely then we can use this sentence pattern.

We must always use "it" at the beginning of this sentence pattern. We cannot change to a different subject.

• He seems that...

However, we can use any subject after "that" or after "seems". The word "that" is optional.

• It seems that he is sick.
• It seems she is lost.
• It seems that the restaurant is popular.
• It seems the TV is broken.

It seems (that) + sentence

• It seems that the restaurant is closed today. All the lights are off and nobody is inside.
• It seems he doesn't want to work here anymore.
• It seems that she is hard to work with.
• It seems that you don't know what you are doing.
• It seems that they have no patience.
• It seems the show will not start on time.
• It seems that they are not in love anymore.

We can also make a negative sentence when something does not appear to be true or to be likely. We can do this in two ways.

It doesn't seem (that) + sentence

• It doesn't seem that they will get married.
• It does not seem that you like your job.
• It doesn't seem that this restaurant is very popular.

When we are making a negative sentence with "seem" we have two choices.

• It seems that he doesn't want to come.
• It doesn't seem that he wants to come.

Both sentences have the same meaning. The only thing that changes is the location of "does not".

Bonus Tips and Points

1. We can talk about a past observation with these sentence patterns.

It seemed (that) + sentence
It didn't seem (that) + sentence

• I saw them last weekend. It seemed that they were having a big fight.
• It didn't seem that they were friends when met them.

2. It is also very common to use adjectives after the word "seem".

• It seems good.
• It seems hard.
• It doesn't seem difficult.
• It does not seem practical.
• It seemed very confusing.
• It didn't seem interesting.

Real-World English Conversations

A) I think they love each other very much.
B) Really? It doesn't seem that they love each other to me.

A) It doesn't seem that you are having fun.
B) I'm bored. Can we go home now?

A) It doesn't seem that he will come.
B) You're right. It appears that he will not come.

A) You said it was going to rain.
B) I did say that, but it doesn't seem that it will rain. There aren't any clouds in the sky.

A) It seems that you love your family very much.
B) They are the most important thing in the world to me.

A) What do you think of about this Spanish language book?
B) It seems too easy for you.
A) Really? I thought it seemed too hard for me.

A) She seems nice.
B) She is very nice to people she doesn't know, but if you have to work with her then she can be a real nightmare.