The English language is full of phrases that sound right but aren’t. One of the most common examples is the confusion between “what it looks like” and “how it looks like.”
At first glance, both may seem acceptable—but only one is grammatically correct. If you’ve ever paused before writing or saying either phrase, this guide will clear things up once and for all.
Let’s break it down, explore the grammar rules, and look at real-world usage to master the difference with confidence.
The correct phrase is “what it looks like,” which uses “what” to introduce a noun clause describing appearance. “How it looks like” is incorrect because it combines two conflicting structures—”how” (manner) and “like” (preposition)—making it grammatically invalid.
Introduction to Common English Phrases
Everyday English is packed with idiomatic expressions that are used so often, they feel automatic. But when phrases sound similar—like “what it looks like” and “how it looks like”—even native speakers stumble.
Why? Because conversational habits sometimes override grammar rules. This is especially common when sentence rhythm or word patterns seem familiar, even if they’re incorrect.
Exploring the Grammar Behind “What It Looks Like”
Let’s start with the correct phrase: “what it looks like.”
This expression works because “what” acts as a noun clause—it represents a thing or an idea. In this case, “what it looks like” means “the appearance of something.”
Structure Breakdown:
- Subject: what
- Verb: looks
- Complement: like (used correctly with “what”)
Example:
- “I don’t know what it looks like, but I’ll recognize it when I see it.”
Here, the entire clause “what it looks like” functions as a noun—something you don’t know.
Why “What” Is the Right Choice
The word “what” introduces indirect questions or embedded statements. It asks for a description, object, or thing.
Key Functions of “What”:
- Identifies something specific
- Introduces a noun clause
- Acts as the object of the verb
More Examples:
- “She explained what it looks like to the police.”
- “Can you tell me what it looks like?”
These are grammatically correct because the verb “looks” requires an object, and “what” fulfills that role properly.
Examples in Context
Let’s look at how “what it looks like” fits naturally into sentences:
| Situation | Correct Usage Example |
|---|---|
| Description | “He drew what it looks like from memory.” |
| Inquiry | “Do you remember what it looks like?” |
| Explanation | “That’s exactly what it looks like.” |
Notice how all of these examples treat “what it looks like” as a unit—a noun clause describing a thing.
Prepositions and Their Objects
The word “like” is a preposition. And prepositions must be followed by a noun or pronoun, not a clause that begins with “how.”
That’s the key issue with “how it looks like.” Grammatically, it tries to jam two different structures together—and it just doesn’t work.
Wrong construction:
- ❌ “I don’t know how it looks like.”
Here, “how” introduces a manner, while “like” is looking for a noun. But there’s no proper noun or pronoun between them. That makes the sentence ungrammatical.
The Incorrect Phrase: “How It Looks Like”
The phrase “how it looks like” may sound right because of casual conversation, but it’s grammatically incorrect in standard English.
Why it’s wrong:
- “How” implies manner (e.g., “how it works”).
- “Like” implies similarity or appearance (e.g., “looks like a car”).
- Using both in the same phrase results in redundancy and conflict.
Correct Alternatives:
- ✅ “How it looks”
- ✅ “What it looks like”
Understanding “How” in English Questions
While “how” is not correct in “how it looks like,” it is correct in other contexts where you’re asking about the manner in which something happens.
Examples of Correct Usage:
- “How does it look?” (asking about appearance)
- “I’m not sure how it looks after the redesign.”
Here, there’s no “like” because “how” already implies the question of appearance or manner.
Distinguishing Between “How It Looks” and “What It Looks Like”
These two phrases are both grammatically correct—but they serve different purposes.
| Phrase | Usage | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| How it looks | Manner or condition | “I don’t like how it looks now.” |
| What it looks like | Identity or description | “That’s not what it looks like.” |
Quick Tip:
- Use “how” when focusing on quality or condition.
- Use “what” when referring to identity or visual appearance.
Asking for Descriptions versus Value Judgments
When someone says:
- “Tell me what it looks like,” they want a description.
- “Tell me how it looks,” they want a judgment or evaluation.
Think of it this way:
- What = physical details
- How = opinion or manner
Examples:
- “Describe what it looks like so I can find it.” (detail)
- “How does it look on me?” (judgment)
Correcting Common Mistakes with “How” and “What”
Common Mistake:
- ❌ “Can you tell me how it looks like?”
Correct Versions:
- ✅ “Can you tell me how it looks?”
- ✅ “Can you tell me what it looks like?”
Correction Strategy:
- Identify what you’re asking: a description or a judgment.
- Choose “what” for things and descriptions.
- Choose “how” for manners and evaluations.
- Never use “like” with “how” in this context.
Misconceptions Among Native and Non-Native Speakers
Even native English speakers fall into the trap of using “how it looks like” due to regional dialects or conversational shortcuts. For non-native speakers, the confusion often comes from direct translations.
For example:
In some languages, both “how” and “what” might be translated from the same word, leading to structural mix-ups in English.
Common Non-Native Pitfall:
- Translating from a language that uses “how” for “what”
- Applying patterns from casual speech or movies without grammar awareness
Solution: Focus on the structure of English noun clauses and prepositional rules.
Practical Tips for Mastering English Phraseology
- Read native-level writing. Notice how phrases like “what it looks like” are used in articles, books, and dialogue.
- Practice substitution. Replace “what it looks like” with “the appearance of it.” If it makes sense, you’re using it right.
- Avoid double constructions. Don’t mix “how” with “like” unless “like” is part of a different clause.
- Use grammar tools wisely. Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and similar platforms can highlight these errors.
- Listen actively. Pay attention to how fluent speakers form questions and make descriptions.
Faqs
Which is correct: “what it looks like” or “how it looks like”?
“What it looks like” is the correct phrase. “How it looks like” is ungrammatical because it incorrectly combines “how” (manner) with “like” (a preposition).
Why is “how it looks like” incorrect?
Because “how” introduces manner, and “like” requires a noun object. Using them together without proper structure leads to redundancy and incorrect grammar.
What does “what it looks like” mean?
It refers to the visual appearance or description of something, functioning as a noun clause in a sentence.
Can I say “how it looks”?
Yes. “How it looks” is grammatically correct when referring to evaluation or condition—for example, “I don’t like how it looks now.”
How do I know when to use “what” vs “how”?
Use “what” when asking for a description (identity). Use “how” when asking for a condition, opinion, or manner of something.
Is “how it looks like” ever used by native speakers?
Yes, but it’s considered incorrect. It may appear in informal speech or regional dialects, but it’s not accepted in standard grammar.
Conclusion: Simplifying Complex English Language Rules
In the battle between “what it looks like” and “how it looks like,” only one emerges grammatically correct—and that’s “what it looks like.”
While both “what” and “how” are valuable tools in English, they serve distinct grammatical functions. Understanding when to use each helps improve clarity, fluency, and confidence in communication.
So next time you find yourself second-guessing the phrase, just remember:
Use “what it looks like” when describing something. Use “how it looks” when giving an opinion. Never use “how it looks like.”
