In English, look and appear are two verbs that highlight different ways of expressing observation and perception.
- Look means to direct one’s gaze or to pay attention visually, often requiring an active observer.
- Appear means to seem or to give an impression, focusing on how something is perceived, not on a visual action.
This distinction is essential for using each verb correctly in context.
Look: to direct gaze
Look is a regular verb when used in advice or commands and a key part of many fixed expressions about seeing or noticing. It anchors sentences in the active, intentional act of seeing.
Common uses:
- To direct attention: “Look at that bird.”
- To observe consciously: “He looks carefully at the data.”
- To express visual style or state: “You look tired.”
Forms: look, looks, looking, looked.
'Look out the window!' and 'Look at these photos.' are correct uses for 'look' in directing attention.
'Look' means to direct or focus one's gaze.
'Look' is used when directing attention, noticing, or describing how someone appears visually.
'Look closely at the instructions.' is correct for using 'look' with advice.
Appear: to seem
Appear expresses a perceived impression—not an action. It’s used when something “seems” a certain way based on appearance, behavior, or suggestion.
Common uses:
- To give an impression: “She appears confident.”
- To express likelihood: “They appear to be correct.”
- For things coming into view: “A rainbow appeared.”
Forms: appear, appears, appearing, appeared.
'Appear' means to seem or to give an impression.
'Appear' is used for impressions, perceptions, and when something seems likely—not for direct observation.
'He appears tired today.' correctly uses 'appear' to express a perception.
'She appears ready for the interview.' and 'New problems appeared during the meeting.' are correct uses of 'appear.'
Conclusion
Look and appear serve distinct purposes: “look” (and its derivatives) focus on directing attention and seeing (or appearing) in an active way, while “appear” centers on passive impressions or how things seem.
- Use look when noticing, observing, or directing vision.
- Use appear when describing impressions, situations that seem a certain way, or something emerging.
Correct usage sharpens communication, ensuring your meaning is clear whether you’re focusing on sight or perceived reality.