it looks delicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it looks delicate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that appears fragile or finely made. Example: "The porcelain vase is beautifully crafted, but it looks delicate, so we should handle it with care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It looks delicate, but it's surprisingly sturdy".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr. Schappacher, who runs Schappacher White a design firm, with his wife, Rhea White, said their garage "looks delicate, but it's tough".

The New York Times

Yinka Shonibare's Nelson's Ship in a Bottle, which has fetched up on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square, looks delicate and small in its clear plastic bottle, stopped by an oversized cork and sealed with wax.

The Guardian - Arts

In an event that favors tall, muscular athletes who can handle the 36-inch barriers and cover the water jump, Famiglietti looks delicate at 5 feet 8 and 127 pounds.

The New York Times - Sports

The skull looks delicate.

Wikipedia

It looks more delicate".

The New Yorker

It looks excruciatingly delicate — those are real dandelion seeds — and comes with precise instructions on how to extricate it from its box.

The New York Times

(The new rim may look delicate, but it is built to withstand "a 350-pound man doing a conga right around the outside," said Andrew Anderson of Beyer Blinder Belle, the architecture firm that is collaborating on the project).

The New York Times - Arts

They looked delicate, not dainty.

The New York Times

Her opening solo looked delicate.

The New York Times - Arts

This woman was stick-thin, and she looked delicate.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it looks delicate" to describe objects or materials that appear fragile, finely crafted, or easily damaged.

Common error

Avoid using "it looks delicate" to describe abstract concepts or situations that cannot be visually assessed. Instead, use phrases like "it is sensitive" or "it is precarious".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it looks delicate" functions as a descriptive expression. It combines a subject pronoun ("it"), a linking verb ("looks"), and an adjective ("delicate") to describe the apparent quality of something. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it looks delicate" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe something that appears fragile or finely made. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable in written English. Its applications span from describing physical objects in news articles to offering guidance on appearance in wikis. While versatile, it is best used in contexts where a visual assessment is relevant, and can be replaced by alternatives such as "it appears fragile" for slight nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears fragile

Focuses on the fragility aspect, removing the visual element.

it seems dainty

Emphasizes smallness and gracefulness in appearance.

it has a fragile appearance

Rephrases using "appearance" as a noun, highlighting the outward look.

it gives a delicate impression

Shifts the focus to the impression created by its appearance.

it presents a delicate aspect

Uses "aspect" to denote a particular feature that appears delicate.

it conveys fragility

Focuses on communicating a sense of fragility.

it exudes delicacy

Highlights the quality of delicacy emanating from the object.

it is seemingly fragile

Adds an element of uncertainty about the actual fragility.

it is apparently delicate

Indicates delicacy based on available evidence or observation.

it has a fine appearance

Implies a high degree of refinement in its look.

FAQs

What does "it looks delicate" mean?

The phrase "it looks delicate" describes something that appears fragile, finely made, or easily damaged based on its visual appearance.

What can I say instead of "it looks delicate"?

You can use alternatives like "it appears fragile", "it seems dainty", or "it has a fragile appearance depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it looks delicately"?

No, "it looks delicately" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "it looks delicate", where "delicate" is an adjective describing the appearance.

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

You might say, "The antique teacup is beautifully painted, but "it looks delicate", so handle it with care."