What It Looks Like vs. How It Looks Like – Which is Correct?
The correct phrase to use when inquiring about appearance or nature is “what it looks like”. The alternative, “how it looks like,” is grammatically incorrect and should not be used. This distinction is crucial for clear and precise communication in English, ensuring your questions about visual characteristics are properly understood.
“What it looks like” or “How it looks like” – Which is Correct?
The correct phrase is “what it looks like”. The phrase “how it looks like” is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. This common error often stems from confusion between asking about appearance (“what”) versus manner (“how”) when combined with the verb “look” and the preposition “like”.
The core issue with “how it looks like” is the redundant and incorrect use of “like” after “how.” “How” asks about the manner or method (e.g., “How does it look?”). “What” asks about the identity or nature (e.g., “What is it?”). When describing appearance, “look like” functions as a phrasal verb meaning “to resemble.” Therefore, you ask “what” something resembles, not “how” it resembles something. The correct interrogative pronoun to use with “look like” is “what.”
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To easily remember the difference, consider the core question being asked. If you are asking about the appearance or nature of something, use “what”. You want to know “what” it resembles. If you are asking about the manner or method, use “how”, but drop the “like”.
- Think: “What is its appearance?” → Use “what it looks like.”
- Think: “In what manner does it look?” → Use “how it looks.” (No ‘like’ here!)
A simple “swap test” can also help: if you can replace “looks like” with “resembles,” then “what” is the correct preceding word. You wouldn’t say “how it resembles.”
| Word/Phrase | Phrase Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| “what it looks like” | Interrogative phrase | Asks about the appearance, nature, or characteristics of something. | “Can you describe what it looks like?” |
| “how it looks like” | Grammatically incorrect phrase | Incorrect attempt to ask about appearance. | (Incorrect) “How it looks like a dragon?” |
How to Use “What it looks like”
“What it looks like” is an idiomatic phrase used to inquire about the visual characteristics, form, or general nature of something. It often appears in questions or as a dependent clause. This phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to elicit a description.
Example 1: The architect needs to know what the finished building looks like before approving the final plans.
Example 2: I’m curious; can you tell me what your new car looks like?
Example 3: The detective asked the witness to describe what the suspect looked like.
Etymology of the phrase “What it looks like”
The phrase “what it looks like” combines the interrogative pronoun “what” with the phrasal verb “look like.” The verb “look” derives from Old English “lōcian,” meaning “to see, gaze, behold.” The preposition “like” comes from Old English “līc” or “gelīc,” meaning “similar, resembling.” Together, “look like” developed to mean “to resemble” or “to have the appearance of.” The addition of “what” forms a natural question inquiring about the specific nature of that resemblance or appearance.
Related Concepts
Understanding these grammatical concepts can further clarify why “what it looks like” is correct and “how it looks like” is not.
Similarly, grasping the nuances of Compare vs. Contrast is crucial for effective communication and analysis.
- Interrogative Pronouns: Words like “what,” “who,” “which,” and “whose” that introduce questions. “What” is used to ask about identity, nature, or a specific item, making it suitable for inquiries about appearance.
- Adverbs of Manner: Words like “how” that describe the way or manner in which an action is performed. “How” asks about method or process (e.g., “How do you tie your shoes?”). It does not typically combine with “like” to ask about appearance.
- Phrasal Verbs: Combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb (e.g., “look up,” “break down”). “Look like” is a phrasal verb meaning “to resemble.” The correct interrogative to use with phrasal verbs depends on what aspect of the action is being questioned.
Examples from Media and Literature
Here are several examples demonstrating the correct usage of “what it looks like” in various contexts:
- “He couldn’t quite remember what the house looked like, only the feeling of dread it evoked.” – From a suspense novel.
- “The reporter asked the astronaut, ‘Can you describe what Earth looks like from space?'” – News interview.
- “We need to create a prototype so our clients can see exactly what the final product looks like.” – Business presentation.
- “She tried to imagine what her future would look like if she took that scholarship.” – Personal reflection.
- “The artist unveiled the sculpture, eager for feedback on what it looked like to the public.” – Art critique.
“What it looks like” Synonyms
While “what it looks like” is a specific phrase, here are some ways to express a similar idea of inquiring about appearance or nature:
| Synonym/Alternative Phrase | Definition/Usage |
|---|---|
| What its appearance is | A more formal way to ask about visual characteristics. |
| How it appears | Asks about the manner of its appearance, often implying an assessment. (Note: “How it appears” is correct, unlike “how it looks like.”) |
| What its form is | Focuses on the shape or structure. |
| Its description | Used when requesting a verbal account of its features. |
| How it’s structured | Focuses on internal organization or construction. (Again, “how” without “like.”) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is “how it looks like” considered incorrect?
“How” asks about the manner or method, while “like” is a preposition that indicates similarity or comparison. Combining “how” with “looks like” creates a grammatical redundancy and clash because “how” already covers the aspect of manner that “like” is trying to imply in a different way. The correct way to ask about manner is “How does it look?” (without “like”), and the correct way to ask about resemblance is “What does it look like?”
Question 2: Can I ever use “how” with “look”?
Yes, absolutely. You can use “how” with “look” to ask about the manner in which something looks, but without “like.” For example, “How does it look today?” (meaning, “In what condition does it appear?”) or “How do I look?” (meaning, “What is my appearance or presentation?”). The key is to omit “like” when using “how” to describe appearance.
Question 3: Is “what does it look like” the same as “what is it like”?
They are similar but have subtle differences. “What does it look like?” specifically asks about the physical appearance or visual characteristics. “What is it like?” is broader and can ask about character, nature, experience, or qualities beyond just visual appearance. For example, “What is the new boss like?” asks about their personality, not their looks.
Conclusion
In summary, when discussing appearance, form, or nature, the grammatically correct and universally accepted phrase is “what it looks like.” The construction “how it looks like” is incorrect and should be avoided in all forms of communication. Understanding the distinct roles of “what” (identity, nature) and “how” (manner, method) is key to using these interrogatives correctly.
Pro Tip: Consistently using “what it looks like” demonstrates a strong command of English grammar. In professional and academic settings, adhering to correct phrasing enhances your credibility and ensures your message is clear and unambiguous.
