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doesn't look promising
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(1)

the outlook is grim

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But the situation doesn't look promising.

News & Media

The New York Times

The future, under such circumstances, doesn't look promising.

News & Media

The New York Times

The father-son relationship in DA (1988) doesn't look promising at first.

News & Media

The New York Times

Yesterday's play was washed out entirely, and the forecast doesn't look promising for the rest of the week, either.

News & Media

The New Yorker

November 17, 2013 6.59pm GMT I don't know much about weather maps...... but this doesn't look promising: J.A. Adande (@jadande) mountains of rain?

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

Although getting a precise age on these cores requires sanding them and using a microscope, I've cored enough trees to estimate a rough age, and this site doesn't look promising.

News & Media

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

We try to negotiate, but it doesn't looking promising.

News & Media

Vice

This does not look promising.

News & Media

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The forecast does not look promising.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

So far, the prospect does not look promising.

News & Media

The Economist

Yet the company's case does not look promising.

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doesn't look promising" when you want to express a negative prediction or a pessimistic outlook about a situation, plan, or future event. It's suitable for expressing concerns without making a definitive negative statement.

Common error

While versatile, "doesn't look promising" can sound less formal than alternatives. In business reports or academic papers, consider stronger, more precise language such as "the data suggests a decline" or "outcomes appear unfavorable" for a more professional tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doesn't look promising" functions as a negative predictive assessment. It expresses a subjective judgment about the likely outcome of a situation, suggesting that the expected result is unfavorable. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to temper expectations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Tech

15%

Formal & Business

Less common in

Science

Wiki

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doesn't look promising" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a negative prediction or pessimistic outlook. Ludwig's analysis shows it's frequently found in news and media, and tech contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the formality of the situation and potentially opt for stronger or more precise language in formal settings. Several alternative phrases, such as "seems unpromising" or "appears bleak", can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, while Ludwig AI finds no grammatical issues, mindful usage ensures clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions(6)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems unpromising

Replaces "look" with "seem", maintaining the core meaning of a negative outlook.

is not a good sign

Replaces the phrase with a more literal expression of concern.

isn't encouraging

Uses a more direct and straightforward way to express a lack of positive indications.

things seem doubtful

Highlights the uncertainty and low probability of success.

appears bleak

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more dramatic expression indicating a negative or unfavorable situation.

inspires little confidence

Focuses on the lack of trust or assurance in a positive outcome.

suggests failure

Directly implies an anticipation of unsuccessful results.

the outlook is grim

Uses "grim" to intensify the negative outlook, suggesting a severe situation.

prospects are dim

Emphasizes the reduced likelihood of a favorable result or outcome.

portends trouble

Offers a more formal and ominous alternative, suggesting future problems.

FAQs

What does "doesn't look promising" mean?

It means that a situation or future event does not seem likely to succeed or have a positive outcome. It expresses a pessimistic view.

What can I say instead of "doesn't look promising"?

You can use alternatives like "seems unpromising", "appears bleak", or "isn't encouraging" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "doesn't look promising"?

Yes, "doesn't look promising" is grammatically correct. It uses the auxiliary verb "does" in its negative form ("doesn't") with the verb "look" and the adjective "promising".

When is it appropriate to use "doesn't look promising"?

It's appropriate when discussing scenarios where you anticipate negative outcomes but aren't ready to make a definitive negative declaration. It fits well in both casual conversations and formal discussions, offering a nuanced way to express concern or doubt.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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doesn't look promisingGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

doesn't look promising
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples