looks wise

USAGE SUMMARY

"looks wise" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a colloquial term that means "in terms of appearance or physical attractiveness." Example: "Although she may not be academically gifted, she is definitely the most popular girl in school looks wise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

(He looks wise).

The New Yorker

This looks wise.

The Economist

He looks wise too.

Independent

Atwood looks wise for a moment.

The Guardian - Books

Looks wise, the PlayStation 4 has the edge - it is sleeker and less bulky than its rival.

Independent

On Iraq, it appears to have been hallucinating.Mr Tenet's decision to resign "for personal reasons" last month now looks wise.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Twitter's conservative approach to product updates looks wiser in retrospect.

TechCrunch

(Quick cut to Preminger, looking wise).

The New Yorker

Such policies look wise given NATO's troubles raising troops.

The Economist

At first squint, this might look wise: preaching national unity, Mr Karzai has done heroic service.

The Economist

Unlike those of her self-delighted siblings and parents, her small mouth and wide eyes look wise but unhappy.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks wise" to describe someone or something that gives the impression of intelligence or good judgment. Consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "looks wise" sarcastically or ironically without clear signaling, as it can be misunderstood as a genuine compliment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks wise" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It is used to characterize someone or something as giving off an impression of intelligence, knowledge, or sound judgment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a valid and commonly used phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks wise" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone or something that gives an impression of intelligence or good judgment. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to consider the context and intended nuance when using it. It's best suited for neutral to informal settings, and alternative phrases like "appears insightful" or "seems discerning" may be more appropriate for formal writing. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, reflecting its common usage in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears insightful

Focuses on the impression of having deep understanding.

seems discerning

Emphasizes the ability to make good judgments.

gives the impression of intelligence

Highlights the perception of intellectual capacity.

projects an image of wisdom

Stresses the conveyed image rather than inherent quality.

presents a knowing facade

Implies a possibly deceptive appearance of knowledge.

has an air of sagacity

Suggests a dignified and thoughtful presence.

conveys an understanding nature

Highlights perceived understanding of people or situations.

radiates intellectual prowess

Emphasizes outward expression of strong mental ability.

exudes cleverness

Suggests a natural display of intelligence.

appears to possess knowledge

Focuses on the external appearance of possessing information or understanding.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "looks wise"?

When someone "looks wise", it means they give the impression of being intelligent, knowledgeable, or possessing good judgment. It's an observation about their appearance or demeanor.

What can I say instead of "looks wise"?

You can use alternatives like "appears insightful", "seems discerning", or "gives the impression of intelligence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "looks wise" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to describe intelligence or wisdom.

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

You can use "looks wise" to describe a person's expression (e.g., "He had a beard and glasses, and he "looked wise""), or to describe something that seems like a good idea in retrospect (e.g., "His decision to sell the stock early "looked wise" after the market crash").