it looks

USAGE SUMMARY

"it looks" is a perfectly acceptable and useful phrase in written English.
You can use it in many different contexts, such as when giving a description, making an observation, or describing an opinion. For example, "It looks like we need to find a different route home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"IT looks like love".

The New York Times - Arts

It looks infinitely better.

Independent

It looks unlikely.

The Economist

But it looks plausible.

The Economist

It looks doubtful.

The Economist

It looks like dirt".

The New Yorker

"It looks delicious".

The New Yorker

It looks almost ugly.

The New Yorker

It looks very cool.

The New York Times - Arts

Now it looks absurd.

The Economist

It looks very intimate.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it looks" to describe visual impressions, perceived qualities, or initial assessments. It's versatile and suitable for various contexts.

Common error

While "it looks" is acceptable in many situations, overuse can make writing sound less sophisticated. In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "it appears", "it seems", or more descriptive phrases to convey the same meaning with greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it looks" primarily functions as a linking verb, connecting a subject ("it") to a descriptive adjective or a clause that describes the subject's appearance or perceived state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s a common and versatile phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it looks" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to express visual impressions and subjective assessments. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources but also appears in Scientific and Wiki contexts. While highly useful, remember to vary your language in formal writing by using alternative phrases like "it seems" or "it appears" to avoid repetition and enhance the sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems

Indicates an impression or perception, similar to "it looks" but with a slightly more formal tone.

it appears

Suggests a visual impression, often used when something is not entirely certain.

it gives the impression

Emphasizes the feeling or image that something creates, rather than just its appearance.

it has the appearance

Focuses on the outward presentation of something, often in a descriptive context.

it strikes me as

Expresses a personal assessment or feeling based on observation.

one might say it is

Introduces a possible description or opinion, often used to present something in a particular light.

to all appearances

Indicates that something seems to be the case based on the available evidence or observation.

by all indications

Suggests that something is likely true based on signs or evidence.

as far as one can see

Limits the statement to what is observable or evident.

from what I can tell

Qualifies the statement based on personal observation and understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "it looks" in a sentence?

"It looks" is used to describe how something appears visually or to express an initial impression. For example, "It looks like it's going to rain" or "It looks delicious".

What can I say instead of "it looks"?

You can use alternatives such as "it seems", "it appears", or "it gives the impression" depending on the context.

Is "it looks like" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it looks like" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a resemblance or likelihood. For example, "It looks like it will be a sunny day".

What's the difference between "it looks" and "it seems"?

"It looks" typically refers to a visual impression, while "it seems" can refer to a more general feeling or impression based on various factors, not just visual appearance.