it stops looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it stops looking" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in contexts where something ceases to search or observe, often metaphorically. Example: "When the sun sets, it stops looking at the world and allows the stars to take over the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Eventually it stops looking like magic.

The New York Times

"Take it to a fancy designer shop and get some rich guy with a credit card to buy it loads of ugly shoulder-padded jackets so it stops looking like a prostitute and now looks like Ivana Trump.

The Guardian - Opinion

If a combined condition does not exceed the preceding condition in kappa, it stops looking further in the list.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Step 6. Slop in the milk and fold together till it stops looking like something Shane MacGowan just spit up.

Vice

Step 4. Dump in the cheese and sloppy milk, and go at it with a spatula until it stops looking like curdled udder vomit.

Vice

Step 4. Once it stops looking like Chicken Kiev filling and starts looking like pond scum, you're good to take it off the heat.  .

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Dr. Dessau's husband yells at her, "Stop looking at it, stop looking at it".

The New York Times

It was around that point that a house weakened; it stopped looking like a house — something big and impenetrable — and started challenging you to pry it apart.

The New York Times - Magazine

It needs help and, when there is so much money floating around, isn't it time the people with the power to do something about it stopped looking the other way?

The Guardian - Sport

It only took typing the word "Rumor" four times before it stopped looking like an actual word.

TechCrunch

It was noticeable that when Shafiq and Azhar got themselves in, the ball rarely beat the bat and it stopped looking dangerous for the batsmen.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it stops looking" to signify a shift in focus, attention, or investigation within your writing. It's effective when describing a change in strategy or perspective.

Common error

Ensure the antecedent of 'it' is clear to avoid ambiguity. If the subject is unclear, rewrite the sentence to specify what is no longer looking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it stops looking" functions as a declarative statement indicating the cessation of visual observation or searching by a specified subject. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it stops looking" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the termination of observation or searching. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for many contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various types of content, particularly in news and media, and scientific writing. While versatile, clarity in subject reference is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "it ceases to observe" or "it no longer searches" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it ceases to observe

Emphasizes the termination of observation in a more formal tone.

it no longer searches

Directly indicates the end of a search, suitable for literal or figurative contexts.

it quits searching

Less formal than 'ceases to observe' but retains the sense of ending a search.

it halts its gaze

Highlights the interruption of a visual focus.

it abandons the search

Implies that the search is terminated, possibly due to difficulty or futility.

it gives up looking

Conveys a sense of resignation in ceasing to look.

it disregards the view

Suggests ignoring or paying no more attention to something visible.

it overlooks

Implies a deliberate choice to ignore or not see something.

it ignores

A general term for not paying attention or observing something.

it neglects to observe

Emphasizes a failure or omission in observing something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it stops looking" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "it ceases to observe" or "it discontinues its search". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does "it stops looking" imply about the subject?

It suggests that the subject has ceased to observe or search, either willingly or unwillingly. The reason for stopping might be due to satisfaction, futility, or a change in priorities.

Is there a difference between "it stops looking" and "it stops searching"?

While similar, "it stops looking" often implies visual observation, whereas "it stops searching" can refer to a broader range of investigative activities. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate phrase.

When is it appropriate to use "it stops looking" in writing?

Use "it stops looking" when you want to describe the end of an observation or search. For example, "Once the system identifies the anomaly, "it stops looking" for further deviations".