verb
1
DUBIOUS : Even the teacher seemed to be unable to answer the question.
GOOD : Even the teacher seemed unable to answer the question.
DUBIOUS : She seemed to be sorry for causing so much trouble.
GOOD : She seemed sorry for causing so much trouble.
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When seem is followed by an adjective, to be is usually avoided: 'After the guests had gone home, the room seemed empty.' 'It seems strange that she didn't say goodbye.'
Compare: 'There seems to be a problem with the carburettor.'
2
DUBIOUS : 'Steel Magnolias' seemed to be a comedy at first.
GOOD : 'Steel Magnolias' seemed like a comedy at first.
DUBIOUS : This kind of diet seems to be a punishment.
GOOD : This kind of diet seems like a punishment.
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When you are making a comparison, use seem like : 'Suddenly she seemed like a complete stranger.' 'The last few days had seemed like a dream.'