look like good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look like good" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely intended to express that something appears to be good, but the phrasing is awkward and incorrect. Example: "The new restaurant looks like good, but I haven't tried the food yet."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They look like good friends.

The New Yorker

That might look like good news; but it is not.

The Economist

"What do the orders look like?" "Good, actually".

The New Yorker

That makes share buybacks and purchases of other seemingly undervalued firms look like good deals.

The Economist

"Healthcare, which has been a favourite amongst equity income managers, continues to look like good value.

Independent

That is a return that makes state lotteries look like good investments.

The New York Times

The renewed interest in campaign finance might look like good news for the advocates of change.

The New York Times

They all look like good, kind people who wouldn't tamper with a flea.

The New York Times - Arts

They look like good girls who show no sign of going off the rails.

The Guardian - Film

If that is the case, there are many stocks that look like good buys.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

After all, that credit is surrounded by a murderer's row of onstage evildoers that makes Steve Buscemi and Christopher Walken look like Good Humor men.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey that something has a positive appearance or potential, replace the phrase "look like good" with more grammatically sound options such as "seem promising" or "appear favorable" to enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "good" as an adjective directly modifying the verb "look like". Instead, opt for adjectives such as "promising", "favorable", or use the adverb "well" with a suitable verb, for example, "look promising" or "turn out well".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look like good" attempts to express a positive assessment, suggesting that something appears to be favorable or promising. However, Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically incorrect. Despite its frequent usage, especially in informal contexts, it does not adhere to standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look like good" is frequently used, particularly in news and media, yet it's grammatically incorrect according to Ludwig AI. Its purpose is to convey a positive initial impression, but it's best replaced with grammatically sound alternatives such as "seem promising" or "appear favorable", especially in formal contexts. Despite its common occurrence, especially in informal settings, adhering to correct grammar enhances clarity and credibility. Employing phrases like "look like it's good" can also provide a more accurate and complete expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem promising

Emphasizes potential and future success; a more formal alternative.

appear favorable

Highlights a positive impression; suitable for objective assessments.

look advantageous

Focuses on benefits and strategic gains; often used in business contexts.

show promise

Indicates potential for growth and development; often used with young talent or projects.

sound appealing

Relates to an attractive or pleasing quality; appropriate for subjective evaluations.

suggest quality

Implies a high standard or superior characteristic; suitable for product reviews.

strike as positive

Expresses a personal impression; useful in describing initial reactions.

prove beneficial

Indicates realized advantages and positive outcomes; often used in retrospective analyses.

portend well

Foretells a positive future; often used in forecasting or predictive contexts.

augur well

Indicates a favorable outlook based on current signs; suitable for discussions of trends.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "look like good" that are grammatically correct?

Instead of "look like good", you can use phrases such as "seem promising", "appear favorable", or "sound appealing" depending on the context.

How can I use "seem" or "appear" instead of "look like good"?

Replace "look like good" with "seem" or "appear" followed by an appropriate adjective. For example, "It seems good" or "It appears promising". These alternatives are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning.

Is "look like it's good" a correct alternative to "look like good"?

Yes, "look like it's good" is a grammatically sound alternative. It adds a more complete clause, making the sentence clearer and more accurate.

When should I use "look good" instead of "look like good"?

Use "look good" when you want to say that something is visually appealing or satisfactory. For example, "The presentation looks good". Avoid "look like good" as it is grammatically incorrect. Remember to use phrases like "appear favorable", "seem promising", or "sound appealing" when talking about the potential or positive aspects of something.