looks graceful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks graceful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that appears elegant or poised in their movements or appearance. Example: "The dancer moves across the stage and looks graceful, captivating the audience with her fluid motions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It looks graceful on the top, but it's going like the clappers underneath".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We still occasionally make mistakes, which hopefully is like the swan that looks graceful on top but with a lot of action going on underneath".

The Guardian - Sport

At least the exit of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Spain's Socialist prime minister since April 2004, looks graceful next to the chaotic departures of George Papandreou of Greece and Silvio Berlusconi in Italy.

The Economist

Extend them far out and place an angle in the middle of each, so the albatross looks graceful but also clearly in control of its flight.

WikiHow

Everything done just a little slower looks graceful and sexy.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He did not look graceful on the bases either.

The New York Times - Sports

The launch of the health exchanges made the Hindenburg's travels look graceful.

The Economist

"I don't purposely try to make it look graceful or classy," he said.

The New Yorker

"In any one stride, only 10 percent will look graceful," said Mr. Rich, the photographer.

The New York Times

A hitter can handle those pitchers, but he will not look graceful doing it.

The New York Times - Sports

He doesn't want to look graceful, particularly, just airborne and free and maybe a little crazy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions, use "looks graceful" to convey elegance and ease of movement. For example, "She glides across the dance floor and "looks graceful"".

Common error

Avoid using "looks graceful" to describe inanimate objects unless they are designed to evoke a sense of movement or elegance. For example, it is better to say "The sculpture is elegant" rather than "The sculpture "looks graceful"" if it is static.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks graceful" functions as a subject complement, describing the state or appearance of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating it's a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looks graceful" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned way to describe the apparent elegance or poise of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. It's found commonly in News & Media and Wiki contexts and less frequently in more specialized domains like Science and Encyclopedias. When using "looks graceful", be mindful of the subject and whether the appearance of grace is genuine or merely superficial. Alternatives such as "appears elegant" or "exudes grace" can add nuance, depending on the intended meaning. While appropriate for describing people and animals, using it for inanimate objects requires careful consideration to maintain clarity and relevance. The phrase's function is to describe and its purpose is to evoke a feeling of elegance or poise in the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exudes grace

Implies an inherent quality of gracefulness that radiates outwards.

appears elegant

Focuses more on inherent elegance than just the visual aspect.

possesses natural elegance

Highlights the innate and effortless nature of the grace.

seems poised

Emphasizes balance and control in posture and movement.

presents beautifully

Highlights the overall aesthetic appeal of something or someone.

moves fluidly

Concentrates on the smoothness and ease of movement.

displays effortless charm

Conveys that someone or something is captivating with ease.

has a refined air

Suggests a cultivated and sophisticated appearance.

carries themselves well

Focuses on posture and self-presentation.

has an ethereal quality

Suggests a delicate and almost otherworldly beauty.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "looks graceful"?

When something "looks graceful", it appears elegant, poised, and moves with ease. It suggests a pleasing and refined aesthetic quality.

What can I say instead of "looks graceful"?

You can use alternatives like "appears elegant", "seems poised", or "exudes grace" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do you use "looks graceful" in a sentence?

You can use "looks graceful" to describe a person, animal, or object that exhibits elegance and poise in their appearance or movements. For instance, "The ballerina "looks graceful" as she performs her routine."

Is it better to say "is graceful" or "looks graceful"?

The choice depends on context. "Is graceful" implies an inherent quality, while "looks graceful" suggests an appearance of grace, which may or may not be genuine. For instance, a swan may "look graceful" on the surface but be paddling furiously underneath.