looks like

USAGE SUMMARY

"looks like" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to express an opinion about something you see, or to suggest a likely explanation for something. For example, "It looks like it's going to rain soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Looks like hay.

The New Yorker

That looks like overkill.

The New York Times

"Looks like a lung".

The New Yorker

Looks like a ham.

Independent

It looks like it.

Independent

Looks like no fun.

The New York Times

Rooney looks like Shrek.

Independent

It looks like Duke".

The New York Times

It looks like him".

The New York Times - Arts

"It looks like bread.

The New Yorker

Looks like it is.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks like" to make observations based on visual cues or available information, creating a casual yet informative tone in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "looks like" in contexts that require a high degree of formality or precision, such as academic papers or legal documents. Instead, opt for more formal alternatives like "appears to be" or "suggests".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks like" functions as a linking verb phrase. It connects the subject to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or identifies it. Ludwig confirms its appropriate usage as a way to express resemblance or a subjective assessment based on visual or other sensory information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looks like" is a versatile phrase used to express resemblance or an impression based on observation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. While it's generally acceptable, remember that it leans toward the informal side, so opt for more formal alternatives such as "appears to be" or "suggests" in formal writing. Whether you're describing someone's appearance or predicting the weather, "looks like" is a handy phrase to have in your linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears to be

This alternative offers a slightly more formal tone while conveying a similar sense of observation.

seems to be

This phrase is almost interchangeable, indicating an impression based on available information.

resembles

Focuses on the similarity in appearance or nature, omitting the speculative aspect.

gives the impression of

Highlights the subjective interpretation and the feeling created by the observation.

has the appearance of

Emphasizes the visible characteristics but in a more descriptive way.

suggests

Indicates that something implies a certain conclusion, without necessarily involving visual resemblance.

indicates

Points to a piece of evidence or information, without necessarily visual comparison.

bears a resemblance to

Highlights the similarity in appearance or nature, adding a slightly more formal flair.

approximates

This alternative conveys a likeness that isn't exact or perfect.

might be

Expresses a possibility rather than a direct observation of similarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "looks like" to express an opinion based on visual assessment, as in, "It "looks like" it's going to rain" or to suggest a connection, as in "He "looks like" he hasn't slept in days".

What phrases are similar to "looks like"?

Similar phrases include "appears to be", "seems to be", or "resembles". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "looks like" in formal writing?

While "looks like" is generally understood and acceptable in most contexts, it's often considered informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "appears to be" or "suggests" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "looks like" and "looks as if"?

"Looks like" and "looks as if" are quite similar, both suggesting an appearance or impression. However, "looks as if" often implies a hypothetical situation or a stronger degree of uncertainty compared to "looks like".