looks like being

USAGE SUMMARY

"looks like being" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when someone is making an educated guess about the future based on current circumstances. For example: "The economy looks like being in trouble for the foreseeable future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That looks like being a dropped shot.

The Guardian - Sport

But this Easter looks like being different.

The Guardian - Money

Spin bowling in the future looks like being a challenge.

The Guardian - Sport

THIS looks like being another miserable summer for air travellers.

The Economist

Certainly Greece looks like being sucked into a death spiral.

The Economist

This looks like being one of those moments.

The Economist

Officially, this time looks like being no different.

The Guardian

And that looks like being the case for some time.

The Guardian - Business

His home open looks like being a real professional legacy.

The Guardian - Sport

But 2018 looks like being the year the losses end.

The Guardian - Business

It looks like being another crisp sunny day.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks like being" when you want to express an informed prediction based on current evidence. It's suitable for situations where you're assessing the likely future state of something.

Common error

While acceptable, "looks like being" can sound informal in very formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "appears to be" or "is expected to be" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks like being" functions as a predictive expression. It combines a sensory verb ("looks") with a prepositional phrase ("like being") to forecast a future state or event. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is acceptable in English, indicating a likely outcome based on current observations. The examples on Ludwig serve to illustrate various contexts in which such predictions are made.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looks like being" is a common and acceptable way to express a prediction or expectation about the future. As verified by Ludwig, it is generally grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone of your writing and choose more formal alternatives, such as "appears to be" or "is expected to be", for academic or highly formal pieces. Remember that while "looks like being" is correct, context matters for optimal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems to be

This option is very similar in meaning but emphasizes subjective perception rather than objective observation.

appears to be

This alternative offers a more formal tone and focuses on the present appearance of something.

is likely to be

This phrase explicitly expresses probability and certainty.

is expected to be

This conveys an anticipation or prediction based on prior knowledge or expectations.

is anticipated to be

This is similar to "is expected to be" but carries a slightly more formal tone.

promises to be

This implies a degree of certainty and a positive expectation.

could well be

This suggests possibility but is less firm than "is likely to be".

has the potential to be

This alternative focuses on the inherent possibilities for future development.

is shaping up to be

This phrase emphasizes the process of development towards a predicted outcome.

portends to be

This option implies a sign or omen indicating a future event, which adds a layer of interpretation to prediction.

FAQs

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

You can use "looks like being" to make predictions based on current conditions, such as, "This year "looks like being" a good one for travel."

What's a more formal alternative to "looks like being"?

For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "appears to be" or "is expected to be", which offer a more sophisticated tone.

Is "looks like being" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "looks like being" is grammatically correct when used to express a prediction or expectation based on current circumstances. However, ensure it fits the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "looks like being" and "seems like being"?

"Looks like being" implies an assessment based on available evidence, while "seems like being" suggests a subjective impression. The former is generally more objective.