look thicker than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look thicker than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison about the perceived thickness of an object or substance in relation to another. Example: "The paint on the wall looks thicker than the layer on the ceiling."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I blame the flat-screen for making athletes look thicker than they are.

The New Yorker

It is a description of an animal with a projection on the upper part of the skull making the head look thicker than normal.

University of California, Berkeley

The outer edge should look thicker than the inner corner.

WikiHow

Conditioner contains agents that coat your hair and make it look thicker than it really is.

WikiHow

Get enough clip ins to evenly place around your hair, so one side doesn't look thicker than another.

WikiHow

Dark colors will also make your hair look thicker than lighter ones, so consider going a shade or two darker to give the illusion of volume.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It looked thicker than it was".

The New York Times

Nevin, 39, has gray hair, and he looks thicker than he used to.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're known for our rough here, it's one of our main defences along with the bunkers, but it looks thicker than it is," Irvine told BBC Sport.

BBC

You don't want one to look thicker or higher than the other.

WikiHow

Makes layered hair look thicker.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual characteristics, consider whether "look thicker than" accurately reflects the perceived difference in dimension, or if an alternative such as "appear denser than" might be more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "look thicker than" when you're referring to an actual, measured difference in thickness. Reserve this phrase for situations where you're describing a visual impression, as opposed to a concrete measurement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look thicker than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe something as having a greater perceived thickness compared to something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

36%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look thicker than" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing a visual comparison of thickness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequency is uncommon, but it appears across various contexts including news, lifestyle articles and how-to guides. When using this phrase, ensure you're describing a visual impression, rather than a measured difference. Alternatives like "appear denser than" or "seem bulkier than" might offer more precision depending on the specific context. Remember that while Ludwig provides many examples, the key is to use the phrase accurately in the appropriate setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear denser than

Emphasizes the impression of higher density rather than just thickness.

seem bulkier than

Focuses on the overall volume or mass, differing slightly from simple thickness.

present a fuller appearance than

Highlights the visual aspect of appearing more full or robust.

give a plumper impression than

Suggests a rounded or more filled-out look, which might be relevant in specific contexts.

exhibit greater volume than

Focuses on measurable volume as opposed to perceived thickness.

are seemingly more substantial than

Emphasizes the perceived solidity or weight.

manifest a richer texture than

Shifts the focus to the texture being visually denser, applicable in contexts like fabrics or food.

project a magnified form compared to

Emphasizes how the object looks magnified in form compared to the other object.

have a weightier aspect relative to

Highlights how the object has a weightier look compared to the other object.

look more inflated than

Emphasizes how the object looks inflated, meaning that it is thicker due to air or gas.

FAQs

How can I use "look thicker than" in a sentence?

Use "look thicker than" to compare the apparent thickness of two objects or substances. For example, "The paint on this wall "looks thicker than" on that one."

What are some alternatives to "look thicker than"?

Alternatives include "appear denser than", "seem bulkier than", or "present a fuller appearance than", depending on the specific context and the characteristic you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "seems thicker than" instead of "look thicker than"?

Yes, "seems thicker than" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, suggesting an impression of greater thickness. The choice between "look" and "seem" often depends on stylistic preference or subtle nuances in meaning.

When should I use "appear thicker than" versus "look thicker than"?

"Appear thicker than" is generally interchangeable with "look thicker than", both describe a visual impression. "Appear" might be preferred in more formal writing, but both are acceptable in most contexts.