this looks like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this looks like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making an observation or expressing an opinion about something that appears to resemble or be similar to something else. Example: "This looks like a promising opportunity for growth in our business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This looks like grandstanding.

The Economist

This looks like a mistake.

The New York Times - Books

This looks like a gamble.

The Economist

"This looks like TV".

The New York Times

This looks like "unconscious" vision.

University of California, Berkeley

This looks like: M 10 =.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But this looks like a distant prospect.

The Economist

This looks like a huge expense.

The Economist

So this looks like a final destination".

Independent

This looks like a calculated strategy.

Independent

To some, this looks like overkill.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this looks like" in formal writing, ensure the comparison is clear and the connection is logical.

Common error

Avoid using "this looks like" for comparisons that are too abstract or lack a clear sensory connection. For example, instead of saying "This strategy looks like success", consider saying "This strategy seems likely to succeed" or "This strategy appears promising".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this looks like" functions as a subjective assessment or observation. It connects a subject with an attribute based on appearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this looks like" is a versatile phrase used to express a subjective assessment or comparison based on appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in Academic and Scientific writing. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "this appears to be" or "it resembles". Be mindful of overusing it in highly abstract comparisons to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this appears to be

Replaces "looks" with "appears", suggesting a more formal or cautious assessment.

this seems like

Substitutes "looks" with "seems", indicating a subjective impression or tentative judgment.

it resembles

Highlights the similarity in appearance or nature to something else.

it bears a resemblance to

Similar to 'it resembles' but more emphatic, stressing the degree of similarity.

it strikes me as

Indicates a personal viewpoint or opinion about the subject in question.

this gives the impression of

Offers a more descriptive and elaborate way to convey the overall effect or feeling something evokes.

the impression is that

Focuses on the overall impression received, rather than a direct observation.

it has the hallmarks of

Implies that something exhibits the characteristic features or qualities of something else.

one could say it's akin to

Suggests a comparison or analogy, often used in more formal contexts.

it smacks of

Suggests a strong resemblance, often with a negative connotation, implying something undesirable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this looks like" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "this appears to be", "it resembles", or "the impression is that". These alternatives add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

What's the difference between "this looks like" and "this seems like"?

While both phrases convey a sense of appearance or impression, "this looks like" often relies on visual cues, whereas "this seems like" suggests a more general or intuitive assessment. The choice depends on whether you're basing your judgment primarily on sight or on other factors.

When is it appropriate to use "this looks like" in academic writing?

In academic writing, "this looks like" can be used to describe visual data or phenomena, provided the language remains objective and the comparison is well-supported by evidence. However, avoid using it to express subjective opinions or unsupported claims.

Are there any informal alternatives to "this looks like"?

For more casual contexts, you could say "this seems like", "this feels like", or simply "that looks like". The best choice depends on the specific situation and your audience.