Looks strange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Looks strange" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something appears unusual or out of the ordinary. Example: "The painting looks strange, with its unusual colors and distorted shapes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Looks strange from today's perspective".

The Guardian - Sport

Her face looks strange.

The Guardian

It certainly looks strange, right from the off.

Independent

"Now it looks strange if you show up in jeans".

The New York Times

Another address, especially one that looks strange, should raise suspicions.

The Guardian - Tech

The contingency we have not considered seriously looks strange; what looks strange is thought improbable; what is improbable need not be considered seriously".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He looked strange.

The New York Times - Sports

They look strange, and tragic.

The New York Times

That would look strange.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If they look strange, you stay away".

The New York Times

"It looked strange to me".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Looks strange" when you want to express a sense of something being out of the ordinary or peculiar in appearance. The phrase is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid overusing "Looks strange" in highly formal writing. In those contexts, opt for more precise and descriptive alternatives like "appears unconventional" or "presents an unusual aspect" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Looks strange" primarily functions as a descriptive expression, indicating that something has an unusual or peculiar appearance. It combines a verb of perception ("looks") with an adjective ("strange") to convey a visual assessment. Ludwig confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Looks strange" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something appears unusual or peculiar. Ludwig's analysis of numerous sources shows its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best to use more formal alternatives in highly professional writing. Alternatives include "appears unusual" or "seems odd". The phrase serves to communicate an observation or judgment about an object's visual appearance and is generally considered to have a neutral register. Ludwig AI confirms that "Looks strange" is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Appears unusual

Focuses on the deviation from the norm in appearance.

Seems odd

Emphasizes the peculiar or unconventional nature.

Feels peculiar

Highlights the unusual feeling or sense something evokes.

Strikes as bizarre

Emphasizes a strong sense of strangeness or abnormality.

Presents a weird image

Focuses on the visual aspect and its oddity.

Gives an unusual impression

Stresses the atypical impact on perception.

Exhibits an unconventional appearance

Highlights the lack of conformity in its look.

Has a curious aspect

Focuses on the intriguing or questioning nature of the appearance.

Conveys an atypical sense

Emphasizes the delivery of an abnormal feeling.

Projects an outlandish image

Stresses the extremely unusual or bizarre projection.

FAQs

How can I use "Looks strange" in a sentence?

You can use "Looks strange" to describe something that appears unusual or out of the ordinary. For example, "The painting "looks strange" with its distorted shapes and colors."

What are some alternatives to "Looks strange"?

Some alternatives to "Looks strange" include "appears unusual", "seems odd", or "feels peculiar", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "Looks strangely" instead of "Looks strange"?

No, it is more common and grammatically sound to say "Looks strange". The adjective "strange" appropriately describes the appearance, while "strangely" is an adverb and would modify the verb, which isn't the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "Looks strange" and "Seems strange"?

Both "Looks strange" and "Seems strange" convey a sense of something being unusual. However, "Looks strange" focuses more on the visual appearance, while "Seems strange" can refer to a broader sense of something being odd or peculiar beyond just its look.