seem like ; seem

[Aieda_Chiang]

Angel: You don't seem to understand my point, do you?
William: No, I don't. This just doesn't seem like an issue for me at all!

Could we use “seems (that)” instead of “seems like” in the above sentence? Is there any difference between “seem like” and “seem (that)”?

Does "You seem like a dog." equal "You seem to be a dog."?
Do they have the same meaning?
I am so confused.

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by Aieda_Chiang

Angel: You don't seem to understand my point, do you?
William: No, I don't. This just doesn't seem like an issue for me at all!

Could we use “seems (that)” instead of “seems like” in the above sentence? Is there any difference between “seem like” and “seem (that)”?

Does "You seem like a dog." equal "You seem to be a dog."?
Do they have the same meaning?
I am so confused.

"Seem" operates in the realm of appearances and impressions. By its very nature, "seem" allows the possibility that the appearance/impression may not be truly representative of the entity.

The difference in your last two lies in what follows seem.

like = similar to something
to be = the actual something

Then logic intervenes. If one is addressing a person, it is impossible that he/she is actually a dog, so the two expressions end up about the same.

[Aieda_Chiang]

Thanks for your prompt reply. You really do me a great favor.

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by Aieda_Chiang

Thanks for your prompt reply. You really do me a great favor.

You're welcome.