look like new

USAGE SUMMARY

"look like new" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that has been restored to its original, pristine condition, or something that appears to be brand new even when it is not. For example, "Joe spent months restoring his classic car; it looks like new now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Make it look like new for $150".

The New York Times

It can look like new external lips have been formed.

The New York Times - Health

"Stalin does nyet look like new ager, nyet way," wrote one reader, rather predictably named Boris.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Kazimiera Kozlowski, the curator, said that it will soon look like new.

The New York Times

These can look like new particles, but vanish as more data is collected.

The Guardian

"Just about any old bathtub can be refinished to look like new," said Nathan Oettinger, the owner of the Painted Otter Refinishers (paintedotter.com) in Middletown, N.Y.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

This theme is then reinforced ("the red things on each side look like new-born babies with the umbilical cords still attached"), and then instantiated ("the two people could be a mummy and daddy holding a Moses basket or cot").

BBC

Twenty minutes into my stroll and it looked like new New York was winning.

Huffington Post

"They looked like new guys," he said with a smile.

The New York Times - Sports

Exceptions are made for idiomatic phrases: "Ethelbert's cuspidor looks like new".

The New York Times - Magazine

"And once it's installed, all it needs is an occasional washing to keep it looking like new".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look like new" to describe items that have been restored or refurbished to a condition resembling their original state. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the success of a restoration project.

Common error

Avoid using "look like new" to describe items that are genuinely brand new; reserve it for items that have undergone restoration or significant cleaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look like new" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective, typically used to describe the state or condition of an object after restoration or cleaning. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a return to a pristine or original-like condition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look like new" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe items that have been restored or refurbished to appear as if they are in their original condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the idea of revitalization. While versatile, it's best reserved for items that have undergone restoration rather than those that are genuinely brand new. Common alternatives include “"appear brand new"” or “"be as good as new"”, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear brand new

Focuses on the appearance of being completely unused.

seem like new

Emphasizes the impression of being recently made or acquired.

resemble a new item

Highlights the similarity in appearance to something newly manufactured.

have a fresh appearance

Suggests a clean and revitalized look.

be in pristine condition

Implies a perfect, untouched state.

be as good as new

Expresses a state of near-original quality after restoration.

present a revitalized image

Highlights the refreshed and renewed impression something gives.

exhibit a restored state

Indicates that something has been returned to a former, better condition.

look refreshed

Simple but direct, highlighting the appearance of revitalization.

look revitalized

Indicates that something has regained its vitality, therefore it also look like new.

FAQs

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

You can use "look like new" to describe something that has been restored to its original condition. For example: "After the restoration, the antique car /s/appeared+brand+new, it /s/looked+like+new."

What are some alternatives to "look like new"?

Alternatives include “"appear brand new"”, “"seem like new"”, or “"be as good as new"”, depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "look like new" for something that is actually new?

It's generally better to reserve "look like new" for items that have been restored or refurbished. For something truly new, use terms like “brand new” or “unworn”.

What's the difference between "look like new" and "as good as new"?

"Look like new" focuses primarily on appearance, while “"as good as new"” implies both appearance and functionality have been restored.