To seem, To sound: what is the difference?

sammo   Tue Oct 18, 2005 2:30 am GMT
Hi there,

can anyone explain to me the difference between these two verbs: To Seem, To Sound and when and how to use them?

For instance when saying it seems to me a wonderful idea, is it possible to use "it sounds" in stead?

Thanks,

Sammo
Seattle   Tue Oct 18, 2005 2:41 am GMT
Either way is fine:
"It seems like a wonderful idea."
or
"That sounds like a wonderful idea."
Uriel   Tue Oct 18, 2005 2:46 am GMT
Hmmm, that's a tough one.

When I hear "sounds" being used for "seems", I think of it as being a statement IN RESPONSE to someone else's experience, rather than from one's own first-hand knowledge:

He: I went to Greece last year and I couldn't believe how blue the sea was, how good the food was, how nice the people were."

She: Wow, Greece sounds wonderful!
sammo   Tue Oct 18, 2005 2:49 am GMT
Thanks Seattle... Seems to me and sound to me, can this be interchangeably used as well?

Sammo
sammo   Tue Oct 18, 2005 2:51 am GMT
Uriel, that helps! thank you.

sammo
Brian   Tue Oct 18, 2005 8:15 am GMT
It seems like a wonderful idea;
I can tell it's a wonderful idea;
I could swear it's a wonderful idea;
It sounds like a wonderful idea;
It looks like a wonderful idea;
It appears to be a wonderful idea; etc.

The choice of sensory predicate (visual, audial, kinesthetic) is usually just a matter of personal preference.
Guest   Tue Oct 18, 2005 8:35 am GMT
Another important one that is kinesthetic:
"I (personally) feel it's a wonderful idea."