look monumental

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look monumental" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears grand, impressive, or significant in size or importance. Example: "The ancient ruins look monumental against the backdrop of the setting sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Some, with tall back splashes and vestigial basins, look monumental; others are squat and babyish.

The New York Times - Arts

In Bhanu S. Palam's paintings, humble houses look like shrines; in Yamini Nayar's photographs, tabletop tableaus look monumental.

The New York Times - Arts

Often photographed to look monumental and morose, a lovely image of the roof and paddling pool of Unité d'Habitation by Neil Dusheiko, director of Neil Dusheiko Architectst has won the Architecture and People category award in the Architect's Eye photography competition.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It looks monumental and could be expanded 10 times.

The New York Times - Arts

From a distance, it looks monumental and solid, but when you are in it, it is entirely meditative.

The Guardian - Arts

Plucking an arrow from her armored breastplate and casting it down the stairs, Joan looks monumental and impregnable, somewhere between Nike of Samothrace and the Terminator.

The New Yorker

It is in a gloomy rectangular brown brick building resting on an elevated concrete deck at Amsterdam Avenue and Sixty-sixth Street — a structure that in an architectural drawing might have looked monumental but in real life looks like a giant rusting lunchbox teetering on a rock.

The New Yorker

His sculptures have a Seurat-like quality: a pink Clydesdale looks monumental from a distance; up close, its hooves are revealed as boxy computer monitors, its noble head a printer and fax machine glued together, its mane a tangle of power cords.

The New York Times

"It looks monumental," says technical producer Erwin Van 't Hart.

BBC

"I wanted it to look quite monumental," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sometimes he shot from below, making a child's tricycle look almost monumental; a corrugated tin roof resemble a freeway.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look monumental" to describe structures, artworks, or natural formations that possess an imposing and impressive appearance. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing size, scale, or historical significance.

Common error

Avoid using "look monumental" to describe everyday objects or situations that lack genuine grandeur or historical weight. This can diminish the phrase's impact and create an unintentionally humorous effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look monumental" functions as a descriptive verb phrase. It combines the linking verb "look" with the adjective "monumental" to attribute a quality of grandeur or impressiveness to a subject. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look monumental" is a grammatically sound and effective way to describe something that appears grand, imposing, or historically significant. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts and the user can also consider alternatives such as "appear grandiose" or "seem imposing" to add variety to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exude monumentality

Focuses on the impression of permanence and importance.

present as majestic

Implies a dignified and impressive visual quality.

give the impression of grandeur

Focuses on the overall feeling of magnificence conveyed by the appearance.

appear larger than life

Suggests the object looks exceptionally grand and significant.

appear grandiose

Emphasizes the impressive and elaborate nature of the appearance.

look awe-inspiring

Emphasizes the ability to inspire admiration and wonder through appearance.

seem imposing

Focuses on the commanding and authoritative aspect of the appearance.

strike as massive

Highlights the sheer size and scale of the object's appearance.

have a statuesque quality

Suggests a resemblance to a dignified statue in terms of appearance.

strike a heroic pose

Emphasizes the impression of bravery and nobility.

FAQs

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

You can use "look monumental" to describe something that has an imposing or impressive appearance, often due to its size, age, or significance. For example, "The ancient ruins "look monumental" against the setting sun".

What's a good alternative to "look monumental"?

Alternatives include "appear grandiose", "seem imposing", or "present as majestic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "looks monumental" or "look monumental"?

The correct usage depends on the subject. Use "looks monumental" for singular subjects (e.g., "The building looks monumental"). Use "look monumental" after plural nouns (e.g., "The buildings look monumental").

What kind of things can "look monumental"?

Structures like buildings and statues, natural formations like mountains, and even abstract concepts like achievements can "look monumental". The key is that they possess a sense of grandeur or significance.