look to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"look to be" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express the idea of something appearing to have a certain characteristic or quality. Example: "The painting looks to be quite old."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I look to be inspired".

The New York Times

They look, to be frank, terrifying.

Independent

Things look to be getting even worse.

The New Yorker

But take a look to be thorough".

The Guardian

They would look to be in equal proportions.

The New York Times

Its product-development plans look to be in chaos.

The Economist

At least they look to be a sophisticated bunch.

The New York Times

He may look to be more aggressive vs. the Packers.

The Washington Post

You've got what look to be cool '80s jeans on.

The New York Times

He may look to be more aggressive against the Packers.

The Washington Post

Instead, she added, lawyers look to be creative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look to be" when you want to express an assessment or prediction based on current evidence or appearances, rather than stating a definitive fact. This softens the claim and allows for potential inaccuracies.

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, avoid overusing "look to be" as it can sometimes weaken the impact of your statements. Opt for more direct and assertive language when appropriate, such as "is" or "are" when certainty is higher.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look to be" functions as a linking verb followed by an infinitive. It connects the subject to a description or prediction, indicating an appearance or expectation. Ludwig provides several examples that demonstrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "look to be" is a versatile expression used to convey an assessment, prediction, or expectation. As Ludwig AI also confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, most frequently in News & Media. While suitable for most writing situations, be mindful of overuse in highly formal contexts, where more direct language might be preferable. Consider alternatives such as "appear to be" or "seem to be" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to be

Emphasizes the outward impression or semblance of something.

seem to be

Indicates a subjective assessment based on available evidence.

appear as if

Highlights the conditional nature of the appearance.

seem as though

Similar to 'seem to be' but introduces a hypothetical element.

suggest

Implies an indirect indication or hint.

indicate

Provides a more direct sign or signal.

give the impression of

Focuses on the overall effect created.

create the idea of

Highlights the perceived notion or concept.

promise to be

Indicates a potential or expectation for the future.

are expected to be

Expresses an anticipation or forecast.

FAQs

How can I use "look to be" in a sentence?

Use "look to be" to indicate an assessment or prediction based on current information. For example, "The project "appears to be" on track" or "The results "seem to be" promising".

What are some alternatives to "look to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "appear to be", "seem to be", "indicate", or "suggest".

When is it appropriate to use "look to be" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "look to be" when you want to express a qualified assessment based on available evidence, rather than making a definitive statement. It's particularly useful when expressing predictions or expectations that may not be certain.

Is "look to be" formal or informal?

"Look to be" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using more direct language or alternatives like "are expected to be" or "promise to be" when appropriate.