does not look right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not look right" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears incorrect or inappropriate in a given context. Example: "After reviewing the report, I noticed that the data does not look right and needs to be double-checked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"This does not look right.

The Guardian

"My husband said, 'Something does not look right,' " she said.

The New York Times

If the rhythm and shifts of weight are not exact, the shape of the body does not look right.

The New York Times - Arts

This was done, Sergeant LaBarbiera explained, because the open flap does not look right when an officer tucks in a memo book.

The New York Times

If anything does not look right or does not make sense, call the company right away.

Forbes

Of course throw into the trash all of the above suggestions (as well as the leftovers), if something does not look right.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He doesn't look right.

The Guardian - Sport

The colour doesn't look right either.

The Guardian

It just doesn't look right.

The New York Times - Sports

"Ma, that doesn't look right," I say.

The New York Times

"If something doesn't look right, it makes me uncomfortable".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not look right", consider specifying what aspect seems incorrect to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The data does not look right", specify: "The data's formatting does not look right."

Common error

Avoid using "does not look right" without providing context. Ensure you clarify what specifically is causing concern to prevent misinterpretations or confusion. Without context your sentence can be too vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not look right" primarily functions as a subjective assessment or observation. It expresses a concern or unease about something's appearance or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, indicating its appropriateness for conveying a sense of something being amiss.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

38%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does not look right" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey that something appears incorrect, inappropriate, or suspicious. Ludwig confirms its validity and indicates its frequent use across various contexts. The phrase is most prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources, and to a lesser extent, Science. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide specific details about what aspect raises concern to ensure clarity. While "does not look right" is generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives like "appears incorrect" in professional settings. Understanding its function and purpose enhances effective communication and helps avoid vague or misconstrued statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems off

Indicates something feels wrong or not quite right, often based on intuition.

appears incorrect

Highlights a perceived lack of accuracy or correctness.

seems amiss

Implies something is wrong or out of place, focusing on a subtle deviation from what is expected.

feels wrong

Emphasizes a subjective sense of something being incorrect or inappropriate.

is questionable

Suggests uncertainty or doubt regarding the validity or appropriateness of something.

looks suspicious

Suggests a potential cause for doubt or distrust based on appearance.

doesn't add up

Indicates a lack of logical consistency or coherence.

seems fishy

Informal way to say something seems suspicious or dishonest.

gives a bad impression

Focuses on the negative visual impact or perception created.

raises concerns

Highlights that something is causing worry or unease.

FAQs

What does "does not look right" mean?

The phrase "does not look right" indicates that something appears incorrect, inappropriate, or suspicious based on visual assessment or general perception. It suggests a deviation from an expected or acceptable norm.

When is it appropriate to use "does not look right"?

It is appropriate when expressing concern or doubt about something's appearance or condition. This phrase is useful when an initial observation raises a flag, prompting further investigation. For a more formal tone consider using "appears incorrect".

What are some alternatives to "does not look right"?

Alternatives include "seems off", "appears incorrect", "seems amiss", or "looks suspicious". The best alternative will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "doesn't look right" grammatically correct?

Yes, "doesn't look right" is a grammatically correct contraction of "does not look right" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. The longer form, "does not look right", might be preferred in more formal writing.