Did you know that the word ‘look’ has over six different meanings, depending on its usage? With so many different meanings, it’s no wonder that students struggle to use the word correctly! According to the Cambridge Dictionary, you can use look as a verb, a linking verb and a discourse marker.
In this post, we discuss the different usages of look and also share the differences between look vs. Look like, look, watch and see so that you can use them correctly in your day-to-day conversations and improve your English fluency.
If you’re hoping to speak English fluently, one of the essential words you have to familiarise yourself with is “look. ” It’s a common word that appears in daily conversations. However, it can be challenging, especially as it has several meanings.
Here are a few different ways we use “look” in the English language:
We use “look” before an adjective to describe how someone or something appears. Here are a few examples:
Here, happy, tired, annoyed, scary and deserted are adjectives that describe a noun or pronoun. Look acts like a verb describing the noun with the help of an adjective.
We use this combination when we want to point out something a person or animal has their eyes on. Here are a few examples:
We use “look” followed by a noun when we want to compare the appearance of two or more things. Here are a few examples:
You can use look like followed by a sentence when you want to give an opinion on how something or somebody looks. Keep in mind that you’re not sharing what is happening. Instead, you’re giving your view on what you think is happening or will happen. This is quite similar to the usage of “It appears that…..” or “It seems that…..”. Here are a few examples:
One of my students described her friend, “Her new haircut makes her appear younger. ” While this sentence isn’t wrong, the better word to use here would be “look. ”
Let me explain the differences between these three commonly confused words, so you can know when to use the right ones.
We use both “look” and “appear” to describe a condition we have observed. For example, in the above sentence, my student has observed that her friend looks stylish with her new haircut. While we can use appear here, the better choice is look, as look is more informal. Since the conversation was casual – a friend describing another friend – look is the better word to use.
Her new haircut makes her look younger.
Often “appear” is used in formal speech or written communication like an official news report or a corporate mail. For example, a news reporter might say, “It appears that the suspect has fled from the scene. ”
While “look” is most often used to describe a person or features, appear is used to talk about facts and events. This brings us to the third word in this set,
The word “seem” means “to create an impression or idea. ” However, seem does not provide direct observation, unlike look and appear. Let’s explain this with an example. Imagine you and your friend talking over the phone and discussing your friend’s new promotion. After the phone call, you might say, “Sheila seems happy in her new job, ” even though you haven’t directly observed Sheila smiling.
Another crucial difference between these three words is what follows after them. Seem and appear are followed by an infinite verb. Here are a few examples,
“The teacher seems to be satisfied with her student’s performance. ” Notice how seems is followed by the infinite verb “to be. ” Similarly, “My mom appears to be waiting for my dad. ”
On the other hand, the verb look is often followed by an adjective. For example, “She looks frustrated. ”
This is another trio that often needs clarification. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between them.
Now that we’ve sorted the definitions let’s take a look at the usage:
Consider this scenario. You’re travelling by train and you want to use the restroom. You might ask your fellow traveller, “I’m leaving my seat for a minute. Would you please watch my bag?” In this situation, you’re asking the other person to pay attention to your bag for a considerable period. Generally, we use the verb “watch” with films, movies, games, sports and other performances.
Ideally, look describes an action where you direct your eyes in a specific direction for a short time. It doesn’t involve much thought or require as much attention as when you’re watching something.
See can be used with or without an object.
Examples:
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