look like

USAGE SUMMARY

"look like" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and it can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example, you could say, "He looks like he's ready to go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What does look like?

Duke University

They look like charmers.

The New York Times

What they look like.

The New York Times

These look like gestures.

The Economist

They look like slaves".

The Guardian

"You look like what.

The New Yorker

We look like twins".

The New Yorker

They look like maggots.

The New York Times - Arts

What's it look like?

The New York Times

They look like minitanks.

The New York Times - Sports

They look like homework.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something's appearance, use "look like" followed by a noun or noun phrase to provide a clear comparison, such as "The clouds look like cotton candy."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses with "look like". For instance, instead of saying "It is look like a good idea", say "It looks like a good idea."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look like" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating resemblance or similarity in appearance. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and used in a variety of contexts to describe how something or someone appears to others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

23%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look like" is a versatile verb phrase widely used to express resemblance or similarity in appearance. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. Its usage is particularly common in news and media, wiki-based content, and academic writing, as well as less so in formal business communication. When using this phrase, ensure the tense aligns with your subject, and remember that while acceptable in most settings, more formal alternatives such as "resemble" or "appear to be" may be preferred in certain professional or academic situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resemble

Emphasizes similarity in appearance or qualities.

appear to be

Focuses on the perceived state or condition.

seem to be

Highlights a subjective impression or feeling.

give the impression of

Suggests a created or conveyed semblance.

have the appearance of

Stresses the visual aspect and outward presentation.

take after

Implies a resemblance, particularly to a family member.

bear a resemblance to

Highlights a notable similarity or likeness.

duplicate

Indicates an exact or very close similarity.

simulate

Describes the effect of imitation.

parallel

Suggests correspondence or analogy.

FAQs

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

You can use "look like" to describe the appearance of something or someone. For example, "That building "looks like" it's about to collapse" or "She "looks like" she hasn't slept in days".

What's a more formal way to say "look like"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "resemble", "appear to be", or "seem to be" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "look like" and "looks like"?

"Look like" is used with plural subjects or the pronouns 'I', 'you', 'we', and 'they', while "looks like" is used with singular subjects or the pronouns 'he', 'she', and 'it'. For example, "They "look like" they're having fun" versus "He "looks like" he's concentrating".

When should I use "look like" versus "seem like"?

"Look like" primarily refers to visual appearance, while "seem like" refers to a general impression or feeling. For instance, "That "looks like" a good apple" (appearance) versus "That "seems like" a good idea" (impression).