good looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good looking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal way of stating that someone is attractive. For example, "Sandy is a good looking woman."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Very good looking.

The New York Times - Books

"You are very good looking.

Independent

"He's talented, he's good looking.

BBC

Both are good looking.

The New York Times

And so good looking.

The New Yorker

And he's good looking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Good-looking, too.

The New Yorker

Being good-looking helped.

The Economist

Is he good-looking?

The New York Times - Magazine

He's really good-looking.

Independent

Mica very good-looking.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's appearance, consider the context and audience to choose the most appropriate term. "Good looking" is suitable for informal settings but might be replaced with "attractive" in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "good looking" in formal documents or academic papers; opt for more professional terms such as "attractive", "well-groomed", or "presentable" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good looking" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, typically a person, to describe their physical appearance as pleasing or attractive. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

The New Yorker

10%

The Guardian

10%

The New York Times

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good looking" is a common adjective phrase used to describe someone's attractive appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, it's best suited for informal contexts; more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "attractive" or "handsome". Understanding its appropriate register and frequency, coupled with awareness of common errors, will enhance clarity and professionalism in writing. Remember that usage frequency varies depending on source. Always consider using alternatives like "attractive", "handsome" or "beautiful" in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attractive

A more formal and general term for being pleasing in appearance.

handsome

Specifically used for men who are pleasing in appearance.

beautiful

Typically used for women who are pleasing in appearance.

appealing

Suggests an attractive quality that draws people in.

pretty

Often used for women or girls, suggesting a delicate beauty.

lovely

A charming and delightful appearance.

striking

An appearance that is particularly noticeable and memorable.

easy on the eyes

An informal way of saying someone is pleasant to look at.

fair to look upon

An old-fashioned or literary way to describe someone's attractiveness.

well-favored

An archaic term for having an attractive appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "good looking" to describe someone's physical appearance, such as: "He is a very good looking man" or "She's a good looking actress".

What's a more formal alternative to "good looking"?

For more formal contexts, use "attractive", "handsome" (for men), or "beautiful" (for women).

Is "good looking" appropriate for professional writing?

While grammatically correct, "good looking" is generally considered informal. It's better to use more professional terms like "attractive" or "well-groomed" in business or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "good looking" and "handsome"?

"Good looking" is a general term applicable to both men and women, while "handsome" is specifically used to describe an attractive man.