how he looks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how he looks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's appearance or physical attributes. Example: "I can't help but admire how he looks in that suit; it really suits him well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He wonders how he looks in profile.

The New Yorker

That's how he looks at it now.

The Guardian - Music

"The donation will not affect how he looks".

The New York Times - Health

"Let's watch Bledsoe throw and see how he looks.

The New York Times - Sports

"I also didn't like how he looks," she told me.

The New York Times

It should be interesting to see how he looks now.

The New York Times - Arts

"Everything about him -- how he looks, his swing".

The New York Times - Sports

"Whereas George's career as an actor is very dependent on how he looks.

Independent

One man remarks that when married he will no longer care how he looks.

The New Yorker

And he must remember that whatever anyone says, how he looks makes a huge impact.

Independent

"A lot depends on how he looks after himself and prepares for games.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's appearance, be specific and use descriptive adjectives to convey a clear image. For example, instead of saying "how he looks", specify "how his neatly tailored suit makes him look confident".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on general phrases like "how he looks" without providing details. This can leave the reader with an incomplete or unclear impression. Instead, focus on specific features or aspects of their appearance to create a more vivid picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how he looks" functions as a relative clause that can act as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts, indicating its versatility in sentence construction. For example, "She can hardly recollect how he looks and struggles to describe him."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Huffington Post

2%

Los Angeles Times

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how he looks" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to refer to someone's physical appearance. As validated by Ludwig AI, it functions as a relative clause and is employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to use descriptive language to avoid vagueness and ensure clear communication. While broadly applicable, remember that professional settings may benefit from more formal alternatives, such as "his physical appearance". The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

his physical appearance

Directly refers to the outward presentation of someone.

his exterior

A straightforward reference to someone's outer appearance.

what he appears like

Focuses on the visual impression someone gives.

the image he projects

Focuses on the image someone conveys through their appearance.

how he presents himself

Emphasizes the conscious effort someone puts into their appearance.

his general aspect

More formal way to describe someone's overall look.

what one sees when looking at him

Descriptive and emphasizes the observer's perspective.

what he resembles

Highlights similarities in appearance to others or something else.

the way he seems

Focuses more on the overall impression, including demeanor, not just physical traits.

his outward form

A more literary or scientific way to refer to someone's appearance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "how he looks" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "his physical appearance" or "his general aspect". These options provide a more sophisticated way to describe someone's outward presentation.

Is it appropriate to use "how he looks" in professional writing?

While "how he looks" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound informal. In professional writing, it's often better to use more precise and descriptive language that specifies the aspect of appearance you're referring to. For example: "how he presents himself".

What are some alternatives to "how he looks" that emphasize his personality?

If you want to convey more than just physical appearance, consider phrases that hint at personality or demeanor, such as "the image he projects" or "the way he seems". These options include aspects beyond purely physical attributes.

When is it best to use "how he looks" versus more detailed descriptions?

"How he looks" is suitable when you want to make a general reference to someone's appearance without focusing on specific details. Use more detailed descriptions when you need to create a vivid picture or emphasize particular features. For instance, instead of "how he looks", try: "what he appears like".