A: "I think we're running out of gas"
B: "So (thus) it (running out of gas) seems (to be)"
As kalamazoo pointed out, the construction I'm looking at is a bit different, but you mean by the above "So it seems (that) we're running out of gas" here, right? (it = we're running out of gas) I guess you are not saying "So it seems
to be we're running out of gas."
Yes, we might say that, but only by using "So" in this context as a filler. We could just as easily say "Ummm" or "Errr" or "Ahem" or "Excuse me". "So" is entirely unnecessary.
"Excuse me, we seem" ??? Does this sound natural? (I know, again, this is not the construction I'm looking at, but I wonder if it stands natural)
Notwithstanding the unorthodox construction (not madness, I'm sure!), I think this is correct. I think, however, that we are all more or less agreed that using "so it seems" in a negative construction is highly suspect if not downright incorrect.
In order to understand what you are saying fully, I wish to clarify with you if you mean "we all more or less agreed" by saying "we are all more or less agreed." And do you mean "suspected"?
Thanks, Dimcl, for all your explanation. It certainly deepened my understanding of the usage of the word "so."
Or it seems not --- YES! this is what I wanted to know!
Hiro