look exactly like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look exactly like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two things that have a very similar appearance or resemblance. Example: "The new model of the car looks exactly like the previous version, with only minor changes in the design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"My mother does look exactly like June.

Independent

You look exactly like a sanitary engineer".

The New Yorker

He made her look exactly like you".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I want my wedding to look exactly like this.

The New Yorker

These prints look exactly like those of the California quail.

The New York Times

(Arthur Danto even says "they look exactly like" one another).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

They look exactly like them.

The Guardian - Music

It might not look exactly like you thought it would.

HuffPost

The character designs look exactly like something George Lucas create".

Huffington Post

"My pictures look exactly like I want them to look.

The Guardian - Arts

Everything had to look exactly like the standard programming environment.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when choosing this phrase; while widely understood, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "look exactly like" when the resemblance is only superficial or partial. Using phrases like "resemble somewhat" or "look similar to" is more appropriate for less precise comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look exactly like" functions as a verb phrase used to describe a high degree of visual similarity or resemblance between two or more subjects. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

HuffPost

6%

The Guardian - Music

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look exactly like" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate a near-perfect visual resemblance. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used. It's most common in News & Media and Wiki contexts, but can be applied across various registers. Remember to use it when the comparison is accurate, and consider stronger alternatives like "appear identical to" or "duplicate precisely" for formal writing, and avoid overstating the resemblance when similarities are only superficial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear identical to

Emphasizes a perfect match in appearance.

duplicate precisely

Implies an exact copy or reproduction.

mirror perfectly

Suggests a reflection or near-perfect duplication.

match flawlessly

Stresses the perfection of the match.

bear a striking resemblance to

Highlights a noticeable and impressive similarity.

are a carbon copy of

Indicates an identical copy, often used informally.

are virtually indistinguishable from

Highlights the difficulty in telling the difference between two things.

show an exact likeness to

Focuses on the similarity in visual representation.

resemble to a T

Informal way to express a complete resemblance.

closely resemble

Indicates a significant similarity, though not necessarily perfect.

FAQs

How can I use "look exactly like" in a sentence?

You can use "look exactly like" to describe a strong visual similarity between two things. For example, "The new building "looks exactly like" the old one".

What are some alternatives to "look exactly like"?

Alternatives include "appear identical to", "closely resemble", or "bear a striking resemblance to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "look exactly like" in formal writing?

While "look exactly like" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "appear identical to" or "closely resemble" in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "look exactly like" and "look similar to"?

"Look exactly like" implies a very strong, almost perfect resemblance, while "look similar to" suggests a less precise and potentially more superficial resemblance.