a looker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a looker" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is attractive or good-looking. Example: "At the party, everyone noticed her; she was definitely a looker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Definitely a looker.

The New Yorker

"She was a looker.

The New York Times

"I'm a looker".

The New York Times

It's a looker.

The Guardian - Money

He was a looker.

The New York Times

Is he a looker?

The Guardian

She's a fluid writer — and a looker.

The New York Times - Books

"She's a looker," the President's doorkeeper said.

The New Yorker

She used to be such a looker".

The New Yorker

A looker". "Swede?" "She'd like you to think so".

The New Yorker

The only difference is Manning was more of a looker".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, "a looker" is best used in informal or conversational settings. In formal writing, consider more precise terms like "attractive" or "handsome".

Common error

Avoid using "a looker" in formal or academic writing. It's generally considered too casual. Opt for more professional alternatives like "striking" or "appealing" when describing visual attractiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a looker" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used predicatively or as a subject complement, to describe someone or something that is visually appealing. Ludwig AI confirms its typical usage in describing attractive individuals or objects, as demonstrated by the numerous examples available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a looker" is a noun phrase used to describe someone or something that is visually attractive. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While the phrase is widely accepted, it leans towards informal usage and should be used cautiously in formal or academic settings. Consider alternatives like "attractive person" or "visually appealing" for more formal situations. The expert rating underscores the phrase's grammatical correctness and its consistent usage across reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attractive person

Focuses specifically on the attractiveness of a person without implying anything beyond physical appearance.

beautiful woman

Specifies gender and uses a more classic term for beauty, implying a deeper or more refined attractiveness.

good-looking individual

A more neutral term for someone who is attractive, suitable for various contexts.

handsome man

Specifies gender and is typically used for men who possess a striking or pleasing appearance.

visually appealing

Emphasizes that something is pleasing to the eye, whether it is a person, object, or scene.

easy on the eyes

An idiomatic expression meaning that something is pleasant to look at without being too flashy or overwhelming.

striking appearance

Highlights a memorable and noticeable physical presence, often implying uniqueness.

pretty sight

Indicates that something is visually pleasing, often in a simple or delicate way.

fair to behold

A more archaic or literary way of saying something is beautiful or pleasant to see.

lovely view

Refers to the aesthetic pleasure derived from scenery or landscape.

FAQs

How can I describe someone attractive instead of saying "a looker"?

You can use alternatives like "attractive person", "beautiful woman", or "handsome man" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a looker" in formal writing?

No, "a looker" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, opt for more sophisticated terms like "visually appealing" or "striking appearance".

What does it mean when someone is described as "a looker"?

It means they are considered attractive or good-looking. The term is often used casually to express admiration for someone's physical appearance.

Are there any negative connotations associated with calling someone "a looker"?

While generally positive, calling someone "a looker" can sometimes imply a superficial judgment based solely on appearance. It's essential to consider the context and tone to avoid potential misunderstandings.