When do I use "Feel" and when do I use "Seem"?

"Feel" = internal experience (I sense it). "Seem" = external perception (others see it in you or in something).

What is the most common mistake with "Feel" and "Seem"?

"I seem tired" when describing your own sensation is imprecise: it implies others see it from outside. If it is your direct experience, use "I feel tired". And "seem" is more natural than "feel" for objects or situations: "the problem seems complicated".

How do I remember the difference between "Feel" and "Seem"?

Doctor to patient: "you seem pale" (I see it from outside). Patient to doctor: "I feel dizzy" (I experience it from inside). Internal experience: "feel". External perception: "seem".

Resources

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ESEN

Which one to use?Intermediateverboverbo

FeelvsSeem

"Feel" is an internal or physical sensation; "seem" is an external impression others perceive.

Side-by-side comparison

Feel

verbo

To be in a certain state emotionally or physically. Also: to touch or examine by touch.

I feel tired today. I didn't sleep well last night.
How do you feel about the new project?
The fabric feels incredibly soft. What is it made of?

Seem

verbo

To give the impression of being something. What others perceive from the outside.

You seem tired today. Are you okay?
That idea seems complicated, but let's hear more about it.
It seems like it might rain later. The sky is getting dark.

Common mistake

•"I seem tired" when describing your own sensation is imprecise: it implies others see it from outside.
•If it is your direct experience, use "I feel tired".
•And "seem" is more natural than "feel" for objects or situations: "the problem seems complicated".

Trick to remember it

•Doctor to patient: "you seem pale" (I see it from outside).
•Patient to doctor: "I feel dizzy" (I experience it from inside).
•Internal experience: "feel".
•External perception: "seem".

Quick rule

•"Feel" = internal experience (I sense it).
•"Seem" = external perception (others see it in you or in something).

Did you know?

"Feel" and "seem" are linking verbs, like "look", "sound", "smell", "taste", and "appear". In "I feel happy", "happy" describes the subject, it is not the object of any action.