typical looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "typical looking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the appearance or characteristics commonly associated with a particular type or category. Example: "The house had a typical looking design, with a sloped roof and white picket fence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Adam Kimmel typical looks to the style of a musician or artist, and then builds a new collection around that individual's personality.

The New York Times

That alignment was a change from the typical looks the United States has shown, but it could be featured at the Olympics if a goal is desperately needed.

The New York Times - Sports

The typical look-full beard, bandanna, half-unstrapped dungarees, dirty nails, etc.-is an emblem of retreat from mainstream society.

The New Yorker

But a more typical look was crusty guipure lace, re-embroidered with what the designer called "macramé" flowers.

The New York Times

A typical look was an oversized silk coat over bleached pants that darkened from turquoise to black, as if a sunny sky were dissolving into the night.

The New York Times

Cervejaria improves on the typical look of a restaurant of its kind with the lavish use of sleek, pale, handsome wood and tidy displays of its seafood in bins, along with a gargantuan tank that divides two rooms.

The New York Times - Travel

However, Rose does claim that while the typical look-to-buy ratio on the web is 1%, this ratio on his site is five to eight times that.

Forbes

So during reproduction, some versions of the mimic-inducing genes should get mixed up with genes that confer the typical look of Common Mormons and lead to an in-between wing pattern.

Science Magazine

Bored with the typical look of fitness shots, Bazuin suggested we raise the bar by adding a theme.

Vice

His hair was dyed, his nails were painted brown and his face was covered in stage makeup — not a typical look for the acoustic rock singer.

Los Angeles Times

"It's always like, there are no Asian models at all or there is one Asian model among eight or 10 models and she is always with this typical look: skinny, tall, black hair with bangs".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "typical looking", ensure you clarify what the typical characteristics are to provide a clear mental image for your audience. For example, instead of just stating "the house was typical looking", add "with a sloped roof and white picket fence".

Common error

Avoid using "typical looking" without specifying the context, as what is typical in one area or field may not be in another. Specify the reference group to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "typical looking" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe its appearance as conforming to a standard or expected form. This description is supported by Ludwig, which indicates its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "typical looking" functions as a compound adjective used to describe something that has an expected or standard appearance. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in English. While the phrase is grammatically correct, its frequency is rare, occurring predominantly in news, science, and wiki contexts. When using the phrase, remember to provide specific details about what makes the subject "typical looking" to avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "ordinary appearance" or "commonplace aspect" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordinary appearance

Focuses on the lack of distinction from others in its category.

commonplace aspect

Emphasizes the ordinariness and lack of uniqueness.

standard-issue design

Highlights the conformity to a widely adopted pattern or model.

conventional style

Indicates adherence to traditional or accepted norms.

run-of-the-mill aesthetics

Suggests a lack of originality or exceptional quality in visual appeal.

usual facade

Highlights the common or expected exterior appearance.

garden-variety form

Indicates that something is of the most common type or class.

boilerplate format

Implies a standardized or unoriginal layout or structure.

predictable semblance

Highlights the anticipated or unsurprising nature of the appearance.

stereotypical view

Indicates an appearance that conforms to a fixed and oversimplified idea of a type of person or thing.

FAQs

How can I use "typical looking" in a sentence?

You can use "typical looking" to describe something that has the usual or expected appearance for its type. For example, "The restaurant had a "typical looking" storefront with a red awning and outdoor seating".

What can I say instead of "typical looking"?

You can use alternatives like "ordinary appearance", "commonplace aspect", or "standard-issue design" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "typical looking" or "typically looking"?

"Typical looking" is generally used as a compound adjective, while "typically looking" would describe the act of looking in a typical manner. "Typical looking" is therefore usually the correct choice when describing appearance.

What does it mean to describe something as "typical looking"?

Describing something as "typical looking" means that it conforms to the usual or expected appearance for things of its kind. It implies a lack of distinctiveness or uniqueness.