look more like

USAGE SUMMARY

"look more like" is a common phrase used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that looks increasingly similar to something else. For example, "The house was renovated to look more like a modern cottage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Others look more like America.

The Economist

These look more like restructuring plays.

The New York Times

"We look more like a basketball team".

The New York Times - Sports

"They look more like pelicans.

The Guardian - Books

They look more like their Western counterparts.

The New York Times - Arts

Others look more like a fiscal Christmas tree.

The Economist

He added, "Increasingly these deals look more like partnerships.

The New York Times

It began to look more like a smirk.

The New Yorker

Your tenacity begins to look more like a personal vendetta.

The Economist

Both now look more like criminal gangs than holy warriors.

The Economist

It may look more like a real parliament.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look more like" to draw comparisons that help your reader understand the essence of something by relating it to a more familiar concept.

Common error

Avoid using "look more like" when describing something that is completely identical. The phrase implies a degree of approximation, not perfect sameness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look more like" functions as a comparative descriptor, used to indicate a growing similarity in appearance between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard phrase. Examples from Ludwig show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase "look more like" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an increasing resemblance in appearance. With numerous examples spanning news, science, and general writing, it serves to create visual comparisons and enhance understanding. When using "look more like", ensure the comparison clarifies the subject and is used appropriately when referencing something that is similar, but not identical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to resemble

Focuses on the start of the change in appearance.

resemble more closely

Emphasizes a greater degree of similarity in appearance.

increasingly resemble

Suggests a gradual transformation in appearance over time.

bear a stronger resemblance to

Highlights the likeness and makes it more emphatic.

take on the appearance of

Focuses on the process of changing to a new appearance.

transform into

Indicates a complete change in appearance.

approximate more nearly

Implies a closer estimation or approximation in looks.

emulate the look of

Suggests an intentional imitation of someone or something's appearance.

mirror more accurately

Implies a higher degree of faithful reflection.

mimic the appearance of

Highlights a deliberate copying of visual traits.

FAQs

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

Use "look more like" to compare the appearance of one thing to another. For example, "The renovated building began to look more like a modern office space".

What can I say instead of "look more like"?

You can use alternatives like "resemble more closely", "bear a stronger resemblance to", or "take on the appearance of" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "look more like" or "looks more like"?

"Look more like" is generally used when describing a change or trend, while "looks more like" is used to describe a current state. For example, "The design should look more like the prototype" vs "The new model looks more like a sports car".

What's the difference between "look more like" and "seem more like"?

"Look more like" refers specifically to visual appearance, while "seem more like" implies a resemblance in nature, character, or behavior rather than just appearance. For example, "The clouds look more like cotton candy" vs "The project seems more like a hobby than a job".