Learn English – What are the differences between “seems not” and “doesn’t seem”

differencesgerund-vs-infinitivenegation

Are the following sentences correct?

He seems not to want to help us

and

He seems want to help us.

Is it correct if I use "seem" in a negative sentence? Which role does "seem" play?

Is there any difference in meaning between:

  • It seems not working for me.
  • It doesn't seem work for me.
  • It seems not to be working.

Please tell me the differences between the three of them and in which situation I can use them.

Best Answer

I don't think they are correct, close and understandable but not how a native English speaker would say it, I would say

  • "He seems to not want us to help" and
  • "He seems to want us to help"

negative questions are usually confusing so I'm not sure I can help you there.

  • "It seems to not be working for me"
  • "It doesn't seem to work for me" would be the same meaning.
  • "It seems to not be working" would also be the same though applied to 'it' not just you working 'it'.

I think the difference is perhaps when spoken rather than written sometimes people miss/slur ot half say things as there is a lot more context.

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