best looking

USAGE SUMMARY

"best looking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as an adjective phrase to describe something or someone as having the most attractive appearance or features. Example: "Out of all the contestants, Sarah was voted the best looking by the judges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The best looking?

Independent

"Who is best looking?

The New York Times

Just the best looking.

The New York Times - Books

We were never the hippest, the coolest, the best looking.

The New York Times - Arts

"You're the best looking girl here," he said.

The New Yorker

We did have the best looking team though.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

FM: At our prom there was a prize for best-looking girl and best-looking boy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's the thinnest, best-looking player on the market.

The New York Times - Tech

And it definitely wasn't because he was the best-looking.

Huffington Post

It's the best-looking people who have the best chances".

The New Yorker

Best-looking chick in history!

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "best looking" when you want to express a subjective opinion about someone or something's superior appearance. Be mindful that attractiveness is subjective, and context matters.

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, avoid using "best looking" in formal or professional settings where a more objective or technical description is required. Consider more precise terms like "most aesthetically pleasing" or "most visually appealing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best looking" primarily functions as a superlative adjective phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it modifies a noun by indicating the highest degree of attractiveness or visual appeal within a group. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "best looking" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a subjective opinion about someone or something's superior attractiveness. As Ludwig AI validates, it functions as a superlative adjective phrase and is frequently used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While widely acceptable, it's advisable to consider the formality of the context and opt for more precise terms like "most aesthetically pleasing" in professional or formal settings. For alternative expressions, consider "most attractive", "most beautiful", or "most handsome".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best-looking

Hyphenated form, used as a compound adjective before a noun.

most attractive

Replaces "best" with "most attractive", maintaining the superlative degree of attractiveness.

most gorgeous

Implies extreme beauty or attractiveness.

finest looking

Substitutes "best" with "finest", suggesting a more refined or sophisticated appearance.

most beautiful

Emphasizes a high degree of aesthetic appeal, often associated with a more classic or timeless attractiveness.

most handsome

Specifically applies to males, implying an attractive and well-proportioned appearance.

prettiest

Implies a delicate or charming attractiveness, often used for females or objects.

striking

Highlights a memorable and impressive appearance.

eye-catching

Focuses on the quality of being immediately noticeable and attractive.

appealing

Focuses on the pleasant and attractive qualities of someone or something.

FAQs

What does "best looking" mean?

The phrase "best looking" describes someone or something that is considered the most attractive or visually appealing compared to others.

How can I use "best looking" in a sentence?

You can use "best looking" to describe anything from a person to an object. For instance: "That new model is the "best looking" car on the market" or "She was voted the "best looking" in her class".

What are some alternatives to "best looking"?

Some alternatives to "best looking" include "most attractive", "most beautiful", or "most handsome", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "best looking" in formal writing?

While the phrase is widely understood, it may be too subjective for formal writing. In such contexts, consider using terms like "most aesthetically pleasing" or "most visually appealing".