looking good

USAGE SUMMARY

"looking good" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression to describe something that is pleasing, attractive, or promising. For example, "The new design looks good."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Things were looking good.

The New York Times

It ain't looking good".

The New York Times

Tables looking good".

The New Yorker

It's not looking good.

The New York Times - Tech

He was looking good.

The New Yorker

He's looking good.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Looks good.

Cornell University

Looked good.

The Washington Post

Doesn't look good.

The New York Times

The reading looked good.

The New York Times - Science

That looks good.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking good" to describe an appearance, a situation, or progress that is positive and promising. It's versatile enough for informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "looking good" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "promising" or "progressing well" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

"Looking good" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, describing a subject as being in a positive state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is correct and widely usable. It can modify appearance, progress, or prospects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking good" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey a positive assessment, whether regarding appearance, progress, or prospects. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. While primarily neutral to informal in register, it's essential to consider the context and audience. In formal settings, alternatives such as "promising" or "progressing well" may be more appropriate. With a substantial presence in reputable news sources like The New York Times and BBC, this phrase holds a solid position in contemporary English. Remember to tailor your language to suit the specific situation and maintain a polished, professional tone when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doing well

Indicates success or positive progress.

appearing attractive

Focuses on the visual aspect and attractiveness.

promising well

Highlights potential for a positive future.

progressing positively

Focuses on the positive nature of the advancement.

in good shape

Emphasizes physical condition or state of being.

shaping up nicely

Implies that something is developing positively.

things are improving

Highlights an ongoing upward trend.

faring nicely

Suggests a pleasant or satisfactory development.

on the right track

Implies movement toward a successful outcome.

in fine fettle

Indicates being in excellent condition.

FAQs

How can I use "looking good" in a sentence?

You can use "looking good" to describe someone's appearance (e.g., "You're looking good today!"), a situation that seems promising (e.g., "The project is looking good so far"), or progress being made (e.g., "Our sales figures are looking good").

What are some alternatives to saying "looking good"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "doing well", "promising", "appearing attractive", or "in good shape".

When is it appropriate to use "looking good"?

The phrase "looking good" is appropriate in informal and semi-formal settings. It is suitable for casual conversations, friendly compliments, and progress updates within a team. However, avoid it in very formal or academic writing.

Is "looking good" grammatically correct?

Yes, "looking good" is grammatically correct. It uses a present participle ("looking") modifying an adjective ("good"). It's a common and accepted phrase in English.