looks impressive

USAGE SUMMARY

"looks impressive" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe something that creates a favorable impression or appears impressive in some way. Example: The new building looks impressive with its sleek design and large windows.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The haul looks impressive.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Fernandez's record looks impressive.

The Economist

The whale itself looks impressive.

Independent

The new statue looks impressive.

The Guardian - Arts

The trailer certainly looks impressive.

The Guardian - Film

FROM a distance, Bangkok's skyline looks impressive.

The Economist

Belgium's record under Martínez looks impressive.

The Guardian - Sport

This mixing desk thingy looks impressive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On paper, its reform programme looks impressive, if belated.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The resulting dish not only looks impressive but tastes better than chicken and greens served separately.

The New York Times

This lad always looks impressive on the ball, particularly in forward positions.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For greater impact, specify why something "looks impressive". Instead of simply stating that the building "looks impressive", mention its soaring height or innovative design.

Common error

While "looks impressive" is acceptable, it can sound less sophisticated in formal contexts. Replace with alternatives like "exhibits considerable merit" or "demonstrates significant potential" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks impressive" functions as a descriptive expression, where "looks" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "impressive". Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Its primary function is to convey an assessment of visual appeal or perceived quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks impressive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying that something has an appealing or striking appearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is descriptive, its purpose is to express admiration, and its register is generally neutral. While it can be used across various contexts, it's advisable to consider stronger or more formal alternatives for professional or academic writing. Common synonyms include "appears remarkable" and "seems striking". Keep in mind, its impression is primarily visual, so using it when the impression is more than just visual might be misleading.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears remarkable

Emphasizes the notable quality of the appearance.

seems striking

Highlights the visually attractive and attention-grabbing nature.

presents well

Focuses on the favorable presentation of something.

makes a strong statement

Indicates that the appearance is bold and impactful.

creates a good impression

Highlights the positive effect on viewers or observers.

has an appealing aesthetic

Highlights the beauty and pleasing design.

is visually appealing

Stresses the attractive nature of what is being seen.

exhibits grandeur

Emphasizes the imposing and magnificent quality of the appearance.

projects sophistication

Implies elegance and refinement in appearance.

displays excellence

Highlights the high quality and superior nature of the appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "looks impressive" in a sentence?

You can use "looks impressive" to describe something that has a striking or admirable appearance. For example: "The presentation "looks impressive", but the data needs further validation."

What are some synonyms for "looks impressive"?

Alternatives include "appears remarkable", "seems striking", or "presents well", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "looks impressive" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "looks impressive" might sound less formal than other alternatives. Consider using stronger or more sophisticated synonyms like "exhibits excellence" or "projects sophistication".

What's the difference between "looks impressive" and "is impressive"?

"Looks impressive" suggests that the impressive quality is based on appearance, while "is impressive" implies a deeper, more intrinsic quality. For example, "The design "looks impressive"" (visually appealing), but "The research is impressive" (has significant merit).