looks as though

USAGE SUMMARY

"looks as though" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to suggest that something appears to be true, even if it is not definitively known to be true. Example: "The sky looks as though it's about to rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It looks as though more (deniable) operations may follow.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He looks as though he is dying.

Independent

It looks as though he's broken it.

Independent

It looks as though it worked.

The New York Times

It looks as though it is booming.

The New York Times

It looks as though he was right.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it looks as though America may build them.

The Economist

It now looks as though the gamble has failed.

Independent

She looks as though she'd prefer an ace of diamonds.

The New Yorker

Looks as though he starts the movie as a stormtrooper.

Independent

Canada looks as though it may fail to comply.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks as though" to convey an impression based on available evidence, without stating it as a definitive fact. This adds nuance and caution to your writing.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, repeatedly using "looks as though" can make your writing sound less assertive. Vary your language with synonyms like "appears to be" or "seems to be" to maintain a sophisticated tone, especially in academic or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks as though" primarily functions as a linking phrase, connecting an observation with a conclusion or inference. It serves to introduce a statement that is based on what appears to be true, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks as though" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey a tentative conclusion or observation. It is grammatically sound and widely accepted across various forms of writing, and according to Ludwig's AI, it can be used to suggest that something appears to be true, even if it is not definitively known to be true. Its prevalence is particularly noticeable in news and media sources, and its neutral register makes it suitable for a broad audience. While there are several semantically similar alternatives, being mindful of overuse and tailoring your choice to the specific context will help you to communicate with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears to be

Focuses on the visual impression or outward manifestation of something.

seems to be

Emphasizes a subjective assessment or feeling about a situation.

it would seem that

Introduces a slightly more formal or tentative tone.

gives the impression of

Highlights the resulting perception or feeling created.

has the appearance of

Stresses the outward characteristics or presentation.

it's suggestive of

Hints at an underlying meaning or possible cause.

one might conclude that

Indicates a reasoned judgement or logical inference.

it's conceivable that

Expresses a possibility or potential outcome.

as far as one can tell

Adds a conditional element based on available information.

from what can be observed

Highlights an observation-based conclusion or assessment.

FAQs

What does "looks as though" mean?

"Looks as though" suggests something appears to be the case based on available evidence, but without certainty. It indicates a likely scenario or impression.

How can I use "looks as though" in a sentence?

Use "looks as though" to express an inference based on observations. For example: "It "looks as though" it will rain soon".

Which is correct, "looks as though" or "looks like"?

Both ""looks as though"" and "looks like" are generally acceptable, but "looks as though" is often perceived as slightly more formal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What are some alternatives to "looks as though"?

You can use alternatives such as ""appears to be"", ""seems to be"", or "it would seem that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.