looked

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "looked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb in the past tense to describe an action someone has done. Example: She looked out the window and noticed that a storm was approaching.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"THE creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which".

The Economist

We would look at German Burda [a pattern and fashion] magazine together and discuss what looked nice – and because my mum had that attitude and payed attention to fashion, I think something stayed with me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We had some amazing women who looked like them, and came from a background similar to them, so I'm uncovering role models who are exactly like them.

The Guardian

There was similar symbolism – the passing of the torch – when in early 2008 Barack Obama won the endorsement of Kennedy's brother, Teddy, and daughter, Caroline: once he had their blessing, Obama looked unbeatable.

The Guardian

The old chestnut about Nato's purpose voiced by the first Nato secretary general, Lord Ismay – "to keep the Russians out, the Americans in" – looked hopelessly anachronistic.

The Guardian

Setting up an elaborate Berber camp in the July heat each day looked like hard work but Bobo laughed it off: "We are used to the desert.

The Guardian - Travel

Just a 10-minute stroll from the Short Strand, hundreds of people looked on as two rival factions jeered and snarled at one another before the final confrontation, when hand-to-hand fighting finally broke out.

The Guardian

Between games, she slumped in her seat and looked near tears.

The Guardian - Sport

But when it looked like their lead was under threat, their goalkeeper Diego Alves was there.

The Guardian - Sport

He often used to sit in silence just looking at me or mum, smiling, content to be with his family, at home and being looked after.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After all, when it looked as if Scotland was thinking seriously about leaving the UK, billions of pounds were wiped off the stock market.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looked", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're describing a visual observation, an impression, or an expectation. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "looked" in overly passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead of "It was looked into", specify who performed the action: "The team looked into it".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "looked" is as the past tense and past participle of the verb "look". It's used to describe actions or states in the past. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, such as describing what someone observed or how something appeared.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looked" serves as the past tense of the verb "look", commonly appearing in diverse contexts to describe past observations, appearances, or expectations. As highlighted by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and its frequency is very common, especially within News & Media. To ensure clarity, specify the actor and avoid overly passive constructions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeared

Focuses on visual impression or how something seemed at a glance.

seemed

Emphasizes a subjective impression or estimation.

observed

Highlights the act of careful or attentive watching.

watched

Implies a continuous or sustained act of looking.

gazed

Suggests a prolonged and often admiring look.

glanced

Describes a quick or brief look.

envisioned

Refers to a mental image or expectation of the future.

anticipated

Indicates expecting something to happen and preparing for it.

expected

Focuses on the anticipation of a particular outcome or event.

searched

Highlights the act of actively seeking something by looking carefully.

FAQs

How can I use "looked" in a sentence?

"Looked" is the past tense of "look". You can use it to describe past actions of observing, appearing, or anticipating. For example, "She "looked" out the window" or "It "looked" like rain".

What are some alternatives to the word "looked"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "appeared", "seemed", "observed", or "watched".

Is it correct to say "I looked at" or simply "I looked"?

Both are correct depending on the context. "I looked at" is used when specifying what you looked at, while "I looked" can be used when the object of your gaze is implied or already known.

What's the difference between "looked" and "seen"?

"Looked" implies an active effort of directing one's gaze, while "seen" simply means that something came into one's view, regardless of intent. For instance, "I "looked" for my keys" (active search) versus "I have "seen" that movie before" (passive observation).