as it looked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it looked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, object, or scene based on its appearance or how it seemed at a particular moment. Example: "The garden was beautiful, as it looked in the spring, full of vibrant flowers and lush greenery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

There were also drawings and photographs of the show as it looked in its early seasons.

The New Yorker

His mellowing was ideal for American Express as it looked to push its dispute-resolution service.

The New York Times - Sports

As powerful as it looked, the river was nowhere near its max.

Los Angeles Times

Sushi was as good as it looked.

The New York Times

All is not as simple as it looked.

Independent

It tasted every bit as good as it looked.

The New York Times

But the victory was not as decisive as it looked.

The Economist

It tasted just as good as it looked.

The New York Times

"It wasn't as easy as it looked," Mason Plumlee said.

The New York Times - Sports

But it was not nearly as easy as it looked.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it wasn't as easy as it looked.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it looked" to provide context about the state or appearance of something at a specific point in time, creating a vivid picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "as it looked" when describing something's current appearance. This phrase is best suited for referencing a past state or condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it looked" functions as an adverbial phrase, typically modifying a verb or clause to provide information about the appearance or state of something at a particular point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing past conditions or appearances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it looked" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily employed to describe the past appearance or state of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to provide descriptive comparisons and contextual details, making it a versatile tool for writers across various registers. Remember to use this phrase when referring to a previous visual state rather than the current one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it appeared

Focuses on the visual impression given, substituting "looked" with a synonym emphasizing perception.

as it seemed

Emphasizes the subjective impression or feeling given, shifting the focus from appearance to perception.

as it was then

Highlights a specific point in the past, emphasizing the temporal aspect of the description.

in its former state

Indicates a past condition, focusing on the change over time rather than the initial appearance.

from what one could see

Introduces a perspective based on visual observation, adding a subjective element to the description.

by all appearances

Indicates that the statement is based solely on what is visible or evident.

in the way it presented itself

Focuses on the manner of presentation, adding a layer of analysis to the description.

to the eye

Highlights the visual aspect of the observation, specifying the sense being used.

in its visual form

Emphasizes the aesthetic aspect of the subject, changing the focus from general appearance to beauty.

as depicted

Refers to a representation, often in art or media, rather than the actual appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "as it looked" in a sentence?

Use "as it looked" to describe the appearance of something in the past. For instance, "The house was just "as it looked" in the photos from the 1970s" indicates a comparison between the current state and a past visual representation.

What is an alternative to saying "as it looked"?

You can use alternatives such as "as it appeared", "as it seemed", or "as it was" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "as it looks" instead of "as it looked"?

The phrases have different tenses and usages. "As it looks" describes the current appearance, while "as it looked" describes a past appearance. Choose the correct form based on the time frame you are referencing.

What's the difference between "as it looked" and "as it was"?

"As it looked" specifically refers to visual appearance, whereas "as it was" refers to the overall condition or state. For example, "The room was "as it looked" in the old photos" focuses on visuals, while "The room was as it was before the renovation" refers to all aspects of its condition.