sometimes look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sometimes look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing how something may appear or seem on certain occasions. Example: "On cloudy days, the sky sometimes looks darker than usual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Prudence can sometimes look like weakness.

The New York Times

Harry Hill smiles in ways that make him sometimes look cheeky, and sometimes look camp, and sometimes look sweet.

Independent

Elections sometimes look very different afterwards.

Independent

The British theatre may sometimes look hierarchical.

The Guardian

"Governments sometimes look at the short term.

The Guardian

They all look old, gnarled, their gills sometimes look mossy.

The New York Times

Bite victims sometimes look as if they've had serious burns.

The New Yorker

Mr. James could sometimes look back with a wry eye.

The New York Times

I sometimes look at myself and say, why, how did this happen?

Independent

The stress patterns in the plastic sometimes look like veins in marble.

The New Yorker

The police sometimes look at the tapes when outside trouble disrupts the neighborhood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sometimes look" to describe transient or occasional appearances, avoiding its use for constant or permanent states.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "sometimes look". Opt for more precise language to convey the intended meaning, as it might come across as vague or informal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sometimes look" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a non-permanent state or appearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, denoting temporary qualities or impressions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sometimes look" is a versatile expression used to describe appearances that are not constant. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability, highlighting its prevalence across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While grammatically sound, it is important to consider the level of formality required for your writing, as more precise alternatives might be suitable for formal contexts. Overall, "sometimes look" serves as a handy tool for conveying transient or conditional appearances in a clear and accessible manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally appear

Replaces "sometimes" with "occasionally" and "look" with "appear", maintaining a similar meaning.

at times seem

Uses "at times" instead of "sometimes" and "seem" instead of "look", implying a temporary or intermittent quality.

can occasionally seem

Adds "can" to emphasize possibility, slightly altering the nuance.

may at times appear

Substitutes "sometimes" with "at times" and "look" with "appear", conveying a slightly more formal tone.

now and then appear

Replaces "sometimes" with "now and then", suggesting a less frequent occurrence.

from time to time seem

Uses "from time to time" in place of "sometimes", indicating irregular intervals.

on occasion present

Changes "look" to "present", shifting the focus to how something is outwardly displayed.

can give the impression

Replaces the original phrase with a more descriptive expression, indicating a perceived rather than definite appearance.

might occasionally suggest

Replaces "look" with "suggest", implying a hint or indication rather than a direct appearance.

sporadically give the impression

Uses "sporadically" and "give the impression", adding an element of unpredictability and indirectness.

FAQs

How can I use "sometimes look" in a sentence?

You can use "sometimes look" to describe a temporary or occasional appearance. For example, "The sky "sometimes looks" gray when it's cloudy".

What are some alternatives to "sometimes look"?

Alternatives include "occasionally appear", "at times seem", or "can occasionally seem", depending on the specific context.

Is "sometimes look" appropriate for formal writing?

While "sometimes look" is grammatically correct, it may be perceived as less formal. In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "may at times appear" or similar phrases.

What's the difference between "sometimes look" and "always look"?

"Sometimes look" indicates an intermittent appearance, while "always look" suggests a constant or consistent appearance. For example, "The grass "sometimes looks" brown during a drought", versus "The grass "always looks" green in that yard".