looks more like

USAGE SUMMARY

"looks more like" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written and spoken English.
You can use it to compare two similar things, often implying that the two things have a few distinguishing features. For example, "This one looks more like my grandmother's porcelain tea set than the other one!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Looks more like blackcurrant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Rafalca looks more like Argentinus," Haferkamp said.

The New York Times - Sports

Colts Neck looks more like Middleburg, Virginia.

The New Yorker

"Malibu Country" looks more like a relic.

The New York Times - Arts

That looks more like a kidney.

The New Yorker

"It looks more like a high rider".

The New York Times

The average synagogue looks more like America.

The New York Times

"It looks more like a top, honey".

The New Yorker

He looks more like 320.

The New York Times - Sports

This looks more like it.

The New York Times - Travel

It looks more like jowls.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks more like" when comparing two distinct things and highlighting the stronger resemblance to one of them. For instance, "This sketch looks more like a preliminary study than a finished piece."

Common error

Avoid using "looks more like" when making absolute statements without a comparative element. Instead of saying "This looks more like art", specify what it resembles more than something else: "This looks more like abstract art than realistic art."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks more like" functions primarily as a comparative connector. It serves to highlight the similarity between two subjects, indicating a stronger resemblance to one over the other. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a perfectly acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looks more like" is a versatile comparative phrase used to indicate a stronger resemblance between two subjects. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical correctness and common usage across various reputable sources make it a reliable choice for expressing comparison. Primarily found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. To ensure effective communication, use "looks more like" with a clear comparative element, avoiding absolute statements, and choose it when a visual or observable resemblance is intended, and not a general impression. Remember that alternative phrases such as ""resembles more closely"" or ""is more similar to"" can also be employed to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is more similar to

A direct and simple way of expressing similarity.

resembles more closely

Emphasizes a stronger degree of resemblance.

has a stronger likeness to

Highlights a noticeable similarity.

mirrors more closely

Emphasizes a strong and direct resemblance, like a reflection.

bears a greater resemblance to

Formal and emphasizes the similarity in appearance or nature.

is more akin to

Highlights similarity in type or character.

favors more

Indicates a closer resemblance to one thing over another.

inclines more toward

Suggests a leaning or tendency in appearance or characteristics.

approximates more to

Indicates a closer approximation or resemblance.

echoes more of

Suggests a subtle but noticeable resemblance.

FAQs

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

Use "looks more like" to compare two items or concepts, indicating a stronger resemblance to one over the other. For example, "The revised proposal "looks more like" a compromise than a complete victory for either side".

What phrases are similar to "looks more like"?

Alternatives include "resembles more closely", "is more similar to", or "bears a greater resemblance to", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "looks likely" instead of "looks more like"?

"Looks likely" indicates probability or expectation, while ""looks more like"" indicates resemblance. They aren't interchangeable; use the one that fits the intended meaning. For example, "It looks likely to rain" versus "That cloud "looks more like" a dragon than a sheep".

How does "looks more like" differ from "seems like"?

"Looks more like" suggests a visual or observable resemblance, while "seems like" implies a general impression or belief. Use ""looks more like"" when describing physical appearance and "seems like" for subjective feelings or understandings.