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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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not looks

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not looks" is not correct in written English.
It is a grammatical error and should not be used. Example: "She not looks happy today." should be "She does not look happy today."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It's not looks.

News & Media

The New York Times

Health is defined by lifestyle, not looks.

News & Media

Independent

"It's not looks," he said.

"Not looks like," his friend replied.

But the first consideration in buying a crib should be safety, not looks.

News & Media

The New York Times

But perhaps it is not looks, but circumstances, that may need changing.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Olazabal dared not look.

News & Media

Independent

"Not looking good".

News & Media

The New York Times

Not look at each other.

News & Media

The New York Times

This did not look good.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Things do not look good.

News & Media

The Economist
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to express a negative observation, ensure to use the correct auxiliary verb (do/does) with "look". For example, instead of saying "She not look happy", say "She does not look happy".

Common error

A common mistake is to directly negate the verb "look" without the necessary auxiliary verb. Always include "do/does/did" to form the correct negative sentence structure. For instance, avoid writing "He not look well"; instead, write "He does not look well".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not looks" is typically intended to negate the verb "look", indicating that something lacks a particular appearance or quality. However, it requires an auxiliary verb to be grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms this grammatical issue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "not looks" appears across various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The correct usage requires the inclusion of auxiliary verbs like "do" or "does" to form proper negative statements, such as "does not look" or "do not look". It aims to negate a verb in order to express an observation or assessment about the appearance or state of something. Given its grammatical issues, it is best to avoid this phrase in formal contexts and opt for grammatically correct alternatives. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as wiki content, users should be cautious and ensure proper grammatical structure.

FAQs

How can I properly use "not look" in a sentence?

To correctly use "look" in a negative statement, include the auxiliary verb "do" or "does". For example, instead of "I not look tired", say "I "do not look" tired" or "You "do not look" happy". For the third person singular, use "does not look", like in "He "does not look" well".

What are some alternatives to "not looks"?

Instead of "not looks", you can use phrases like ""does not look"", ""do not look"", "doesn't appear", or "isn't looking" depending on the context. These alternatives ensure correct grammar and clarity.

Which is correct: "not looks" or "does not look"?

"Does not look" is the grammatically correct option. "Not looks" is an incorrect phrasing in standard English. The auxiliary verb "does" is essential for forming negative statements.

When should I use "do not look" vs. "does not look"?

Use "do not look" with first-person singular (I), second-person singular and plural (you), and third-person plural (they). For example: "I "do not look" forward to it"; "You "do not look" well"; "They "do not look" happy". Use "does not look" with the third-person singular (he, she, it). For example: "He "does not look" ready".

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: