looks really sick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks really sick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something appears impressive, cool, or visually appealing, often in informal contexts. Example: "The new graphics for the video game looks really sick; I can't wait to play it!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It looks really sick".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He looked really sick," the message said.

The New Yorker

She didn't look really sick, and she wasn't in pain, or at least she didn't profess to be in pain.

Huffington Post

'It is common for women here to be sick during pregnancy, sometimes you will see them with swollen legs and others looking really sickly'; observed a responding TBA.

BMC Women's Health

They look really really good so why not trust them?

BMJ Open

Your weight is going up,' or 'Wow, you were really sick, look how much it dipped.'".

Huffington Post

So it was so important that they look like they were really sick.

Huffington Post

She looked at me as if I were really sick.

The New Yorker

"Any parents who are considering this, they should have a look at a child who's really sick with measles, and I think they'd change their minds".

Los Angeles Times

Nick Grimshaw This looks sick – I really like that look for nightwear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Look, people do develop some immunity, but only after they're really sick".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "looks really sick" to describe an object or design, consider whether "looks really impressive" or "looks amazing" would be more appropriate depending on the context. Ensure your audience understands the intended meaning, especially if they are not familiar with informal slang.

Common error

Avoid using "looks really sick" in formal writing or professional settings where its slang connotation might be misunderstood. Opt for more professional alternatives like "appears unwell" or "seems to be in poor health".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks really sick" primarily functions as a descriptive expression. It combines a verb of perception ("looks") with an adverb ("really") and an adjective ("sick") to describe the apparent condition or state of someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "looks really sick" is a grammatically sound and fairly common way to describe someone or something that appears to be in poor health. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's crucial to consider the context, as the phrase leans towards informality and may not be appropriate for formal or professional settings. When choosing alternatives, consider the level of formality required. Remember to use more descriptive phrases or formal alternatives in professional contexts. The expression appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears extremely unwell

This alternative uses more formal language to convey a similar meaning.

seems seriously ill

This option focuses on the state of being ill, using more direct and clinical terms.

presents a very unhealthy appearance

This phrase is more descriptive and emphasizes the visual aspect of poor health.

has a terribly unhealthy look

Similar to the previous one, but with a slightly stronger emotional tone.

looks deathly

This alternative is a more dramatic and emphatic way to describe someone who looks very ill.

doesn't look well at all

A milder way to say someone looks unwell, focusing on the lack of health.

exhibits signs of severe illness

This phrase uses formal language and emphasizes the observable indicators of illness.

shows visible symptoms of sickness

Focuses on the external manifestations of an illness.

appears to be in grave condition

This alternative indicates a serious and potentially life-threatening state of health.

has a frightening appearance

This option shifts the focus to the alarming visual impression created by someone's ill health.

FAQs

How can I use "looks really sick" in a sentence?

You can use "looks really sick" to describe something that appears to be in poor health. For example: "The plant looks really sick; it needs more water."

What is a less informal alternative to "looks really sick"?

If you're looking for a less informal phrase, consider using "appears unwell" or "seems ill", which are more suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "looks really sick" in formal writing?

No, "looks really sick" is generally considered informal and is best avoided in formal writing. Use more professional alternatives like "appears to be in poor health".

What's the difference between "looks really sick" and "appears to be ill"?

"Looks really sick" is an informal way of saying someone appears to be unwell, while "appears to be ill" is more formal and suitable for professional or academic settings.