he looks like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he looks like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's physical appearance, e.g. "He looks like a movie star."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He looks like Bluie.

The New Yorker

He looks like them.

University of California, Berkeley

"Sometimes he looks like me".

The New Yorker

He looks like a vaudevillian.

The New Yorker

He looks like a madman.

The New Yorker

But he looks like me.

The New Yorker

He looks like a journalist".

The New Yorker

He looks like the boss".

The Guardian

He looks like a star.

The New York Times

He looks like me, though.

The New Yorker

But he looks like Ahmadinejad.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he looks like" to create vivid descriptions and comparisons, helping your audience visualize the person you're describing. For example, "He looks like he hasn't slept in days" conveys more than simply saying he's tired.

Common error

Avoid using "he looks like" to make assumptions about someone's character or abilities. Appearance is not always indicative of inner qualities or skills. For example, avoid saying "He looks like a troublemaker" based solely on appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he looks like" functions as a descriptor, used to draw comparisons between someone's appearance and another person, object, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he looks like" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's appearance by comparing them to something or someone else. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable for use in written English. While versatile, remember that it's often subjective, and more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain contexts. As evidenced by the Ludwig examples, it's frequently found in news, media, and academic writing. To enhance your writing, use the phrase to paint vivid pictures, but avoid using it to make unwarranted assumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he resembles

This is a more formal way of saying someone looks similar to another.

he bears a resemblance to

This is a formal way of saying someone looks similar to another.

he is the spitting image of

This phrase implies a very strong resemblance.

he appears to be

This phrase suggests a perceived likeness, rather than a direct visual similarity.

he seems like

This indicates an impression rather than a concrete similarity.

he could pass for

This indicates that someone looks similar enough to another person or thing that they could be mistaken for them.

he gives the impression of

This focuses on the feeling or idea someone conveys.

he is reminiscent of

This suggests that someone reminds you of someone or something else.

he favors

This suggests a family resemblance or a shared characteristic.

he has the air of

This suggests a certain quality or characteristic that is apparent in someone's appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "he looks like" in a sentence?

The phrase "he looks like" is used to describe someone's appearance by comparing them to another person, thing, or concept. For example, "He looks like a movie star" or "He looks like he needs a vacation".

What are some alternatives to "he looks like"?

You can use alternatives such as "he resembles", "he appears to be", or "he seems like", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "he looks like" in formal writing?

While "he looks like" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives such as "he resembles" or "he bears a resemblance to" might be more suitable for formal writing.

Can "he looks like" be subjective?

Yes, descriptions using "he looks like" are often subjective, reflecting personal perceptions and interpretations of someone's appearance. What one person sees, another might not.