it looks artificial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it looks artificial" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that appears to be man-made or not natural, often in contexts like art, design, or technology. Example: "The sculpture is impressive, but it looks artificial compared to the surrounding natural landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I think it looks artificial to stake them, but many people do this.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"My first impression was that it was Greek, it looked artificial and didn't look natural.

HuffPost

Spraying too much hairspray in your hair makes it look artificial, so try not to use too much.

WikiHow

"It almost looks artificial," said Steven Goldstein, a Lamont geochemist.

Columbia University

To be sure, it does look artificial, but it is scenery.

The New York Times

It follows that in a cinematic technoscape in which the environment looks artificial, genuine human intimacy would seem anachronistic.

The New York Times

Whether it's improved resolution, or better color rendering and display lighting, the effect is one of an image that looks artificial – as if they'd pasted a demo screen photo on top of the showcase devices.

TechCrunch

Everything about the dog looks artificial and perfect.

Vice

Stick with a good combination of medium and larger stones for a more natural look if you feel like your waterfall looks artificial.

WikiHow

The most common mistake made with bronzers is choosing one that looks too orange on the skin, which in turn looks artificial.

WikiHow

It can look artificial at some points, like you are looking at a cartoon rather than a smartphone.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual elements, use "it looks artificial" to critique an image, design, or setting that lacks naturalness or authenticity. This phrase is suitable for expressing a sense of contrived or manufactured appearance.

Common error

Avoid using "it looks artificial" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and technical language may be required. Opt for terms like 'simulated', 'synthetic', or 'contrived' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it looks artificial" functions as a descriptive statement. It expresses an observation or judgment about the visual appearance of something, indicating that it lacks naturalness or authenticity, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it looks artificial" serves to describe something lacking in naturalness or authenticity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its communicative purpose is to express a subjective visual assessment, often with a critical undertone. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. While alternative phrases like "it seems contrived" or "it appears unnatural" can offer nuanced expression, understanding the core meaning and appropriate usage of "it looks artificial" ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears unnatural

Directly states the lack of natural quality in appearance.

it evokes a sense of artificiality

Emphasizes the feeling or perception of being artificial.

it seems contrived

Emphasizes the deliberate and unnatural nature of the appearance.

it suggests a lack of authenticity

Highlights the absence of genuine or original qualities.

it seems synthetic

Suggests a non-organic or man-made quality to its appearance.

it gives a fake impression

Focuses on the deceptive quality of the appearance.

it comes across as staged

Implies that the appearance is deliberately arranged and not genuine.

it has a manufactured aspect

Highlights the processed or constructed quality of the look.

it projects an inauthentic image

Focuses on the untruthful or misleading impression it creates.

it presents an artificial facade

Indicates a deceptive or superficial appearance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it looks artificial" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases like "it appears contrived", "it seems synthetic", or "it presents an "inauthentic image"" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is "it looks artificial" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it looks artificial" is grammatically correct. The structure follows the pattern of a subject ("it"), a linking verb ("looks"), and an adjective ("artificial").

When is it appropriate to use "it looks artificial"?

"It looks artificial" is appropriate when describing something that lacks naturalness or authenticity, such as a staged photograph, a heavily edited image, or a simulated environment.

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

While both phrases suggest a lack of naturalness, "it looks artificial" often implies that the artificiality is visually apparent or deliberately created. "It seems unnatural" can be used in broader contexts to describe anything that deviates from the expected or normal.