supposed to look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supposed to look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing expectations or assumptions about how something should appear or be perceived. Example: "The final design is supposed to look modern and sleek, appealing to a younger audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You weren't supposed to look.

The New Yorker

That's supposed to look like sex.

The New York Times

"It's supposed to look like leather.

The New York Times

How was it supposed to look?

The New Yorker

"It's supposed to look mean".

The New Yorker

That's the way it's supposed to look".

The New Yorker

Here's how it was supposed to look.

Independent

"That's how it's supposed to look".

The New Yorker

That's what you're supposed to look for".

The New Yorker

How, then, are you supposed to look?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Monusco is supposed to look after the security sector.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supposed to look" when describing an expected or intended appearance, especially when contrasting it with the actual appearance. For instance, "The prototype is "supposed to look" futuristic, but it currently resembles a retro design."

Common error

Avoid using "supposed to look" interchangeably with phrases like "seems to look" or "appears to look" when the intent is not about expectation but rather observation. "Supposed to look" implies a pre-existing plan or expectation, whereas "seems to look" expresses a current impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supposed to look" functions as a modal construction indicating an expectation, intention, or design regarding the appearance of something. It combines the modal verb "supposed to" with the verb "look" to convey how something should appear, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "supposed to look" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe an expected or intended appearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and is seen most frequently in News & Media contexts. When writing, use "supposed to look" to convey expectations, but avoid confusing it with observational statements like "seems to look". Consider alternatives like "meant to look" or "intended to appear" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meant to look

Focuses on the intended appearance, similar to "supposed to look" but emphasizes intention.

intended to appear

Highlights the planned or designed visual aspect.

expected to seem

Emphasizes the anticipated perception or impression.

designed to appear

Focuses on the deliberate design aspect of the appearance.

should look

Expresses a weaker expectation than "supposed to look".

ought to look

Similar to "should look", indicating a suggestion or expectation.

is intended as

Shifts the focus slightly to the intention behind the appearance.

aimed to present

Highlights the goal or objective of the appearance.

fashioned to seem

Focuses on the way in which something has been carefully created to make something look a particular way.

is presented as

Emphasizes the act of showing or displaying something in a certain manner.

FAQs

How can I use "supposed to look" in a sentence?

Use "supposed to look" when describing the expected or intended appearance of something. For example, "The renovation is "supposed to look" modern and sleek."

What can I say instead of "supposed to look"?

You can use alternatives like "meant to look", "intended to appear", or "expected to seem" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "supposed to looked" instead of "supposed to look"?

No, "supposed to looked" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "supposed to look", where "look" is the base form of the verb.

What is the difference between "supposed to look" and "seems to look"?

"Supposed to look" implies an expectation or intention for something's appearance, while "seems to look" describes how something currently appears or is perceived. For example, "The model is "supposed to look" like the final product, but it "seems to look" different."