looking like

USAGE SUMMARY

"looking like" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something's appearance. For example, "He stands looking like a hero, ready to take on any challenge that comes his way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's what it's looking like.

The New Yorker

It's certainly looking like it.

Independent

It's looking like 1983 again.

The New Yorker

Kids barefoot, parents looking like kids themselves.

The New York Times - Books

So Reid risks looking like a dunce.

The New Yorker

My girl's looking like Raggedy Ann.

The New York Times - Science

Eventually it stops looking like magic.

The New York Times

What's it looking like at yours?

The New York Times

Both sides started out looking like chumps.

The New York Times

Here they are, then, looking like history.

Independent

That was now looking like a mistake.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking like" to describe visual similarities or impressions, ensuring the context clearly indicates what is being compared.

Common error

While "looking like" is acceptable, consider using more precise or formal alternatives such as "resembling" or "appearing as" in academic or professional contexts to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking like" functions as a verb phrase indicating resemblance or similarity in appearance. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and can be used to describe something's appearance. Examples show its use in describing people, objects, and situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

22%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking like" is a versatile and common verb phrase used to describe resemblance or similarity in appearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used in English. While acceptable in most contexts, including news and media, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional writing. Remember to use "looking like" when you want to draw a comparison based on visual characteristics, and be mindful of your audience to ensure your language is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearing as

Focuses more on the visible state or presentation.

resembling

Highlights a similarity in features or characteristics.

seeming like

Emphasizes perception and impression rather than concrete appearance.

giving the impression of

Stresses the effect something has on the observer.

bearing a resemblance to

More formal way of indicating visual similarity.

having the appearance of

Formal and descriptive, focusing on outward presentation.

with the look of

Highlights a specific visual quality or characteristic.

akin to

Implies a similarity in nature or quality, not just appearance.

in the guise of

Suggests a deceptive or misleading appearance.

simulating

Suggests an artificial or imitated appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "looking like" to describe something's appearance or resemblance. For example, "The sky is looking like it might rain" or "He's looking like his father when he was younger".

What are some alternatives to "looking like"?

Some alternatives include "resembling", "appearing as", or "seeming like", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "looking like" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "looking like" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's often better to use more precise alternatives like "having the appearance of" or "bearing a resemblance to".

What's the difference between "looking like" and "looks like"?

"Looking like" is the present participle form, often used with a continuous tense verb (e.g., "is looking like"). "Looks like" is the third-person singular present simple form, used to make a general statement or prediction (e.g., "It looks like rain").