look like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look like that" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used as a command when directing someone to do something, or when describing something that is visually similar. For example: "Please set the table to look like that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He can't look like that.

The New Yorker

Real people don't look like that.

The New York Times

"Right now, it would look like that.

The New York Times

Suddenly everybody wanted to look like that.

The New York Times - Arts

Mine would never look like that.

The New York Times

But, it does look like that.

The Guardian - Arts

A man could live on a look like that.

The New Yorker

He'd forgotten that Noel used to look like that.

The New Yorker

But broadly, it probably did look like that.

The New York Times

We assure you, our female recruits don't look like that.

The New Yorker

Maybe one day all movies will look like that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "look like that" in writing, ensure the context clearly establishes what "that" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "look like that" without a clear antecedent. Ensure your audience knows exactly what "that" refers to, or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

Descriptive phrase: "Look like that" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. It indicates resemblance or similarity to a previously mentioned or visually referenced item. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, showing that this phrase serves to draw comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look like that" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for expressing visual similarities or desired appearances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application, particularly in News & Media. While generally informal, its meaning is clear when the reference of "that" is well-established. For more formal contexts, alternatives such as "resemble that" may be preferred. Always ensure clarity in your writing to avoid ambiguity when using this common expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resemble that

Focuses more on the similarity in appearance between two distinct things.

appear that way

Emphasizes the impression or perception of something.

seem like that

Indicates a subjective assessment or feeling about the appearance.

have that appearance

Highlights the specific visual characteristics or attributes.

take on that form

Suggests a transformation or change into a particular shape or style.

mirror that image

Implies a direct reflection or duplication of visual features.

present that facade

Conveys a deceptive or artificial outward show.

give that impression

Emphasizes the resulting feeling or understanding from an appearance.

exhibit that likeness

Formal way of saying there is a similarity in features.

approximate that

Indicates something comes close to resembling something else without being identical.

FAQs

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

You can use "look like that" to describe similarity, as in, "I want my garden to "look like that" picture in the magazine." It can also express disbelief, "Does it really "look like that"?"

What does "look like that" mean?

"Look like that" generally means to resemble something previously mentioned or shown. It's a way of indicating visual similarity or expressing a desire to achieve a particular appearance.

What's a more formal alternative to "look like that"?

More formal alternatives include "resemble that", "mirror that image", or "approximate that" depending on the specific context. These alternatives are less colloquial and more appropriate for professional settings.

Is it okay to end a sentence with "look like that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to end a sentence with "look like that", especially in informal contexts where the reference is clear from the preceding conversation or visual cue.