In English grammar, learners and native speakers often face confusion when tricky phrases sound similar but carry different meanings. A single misused word can make a sentence awkward or incorrect, which is a common issue in daily communication, writing, and speaking. The key question people ask is whether to use what it looks like or how it looks like. In my teaching experience, I often notice the difference becomes clearer when learners pay attention to grammar structure, meaning, and context. The phrase what it looks like focuses on appearance, while how usually describes manner or situations, which creates a mistake in English usage.
To break the idea in a simple and practical way, think about the rules of English structure. The word what works as a noun clause, while how acts like a preposition idea connected to manner. Because of this grammatically accepted structure, standard English accepts what it looks like, while how it looks like becomes invalid even though it may sound natural at first glance. Many learners assume both phrases are correct because they appear similar, and sometimes they are influenced by another language when translating directly. This is why guides, examples, and clear explanation help people understand the difference with more confidence.
In real world usage, the expression appears in school assignments, ESL conversations, workplace emails, social media posts, and learning forums where intermediate and advanced learners sometimes struggle. A useful strategy is to use knowledge, practically review examples, and practice exercises that help master the phrase. When people see how a sentence structure combines with meaning, they can avoid mistakes, confuse fewer others, and ensure writing and speaking stay clear and correct. With time, attention, and practice, the differences become easier, more natural, and learners begin using the expression correctly in everyday situations.
What It Looks Like vs How It Looks Like: The Quick Rule
If you want a simple rule to remember, here it is.
Correct phrases
- What it looks like
- How it looks
Incorrect phrase
- How it looks like
The phrase “how it looks like” is not considered correct in standard English grammar.
The reason is simple. The word “like” already introduces comparison or description. When you combine it with “how,” the sentence becomes redundant and awkward.
Here are a few examples.
Correct:
- Tell me what it looks like.
- Show me what the house looks like.
Also correct:
- Tell me how it looks.
- Let me know how the design looks.
Incorrect:
- Tell me how it looks like.
Although many learners say this sentence, native speakers rarely use it.
Understanding this difference will instantly improve both your spoken English and written grammar.
Understanding the Grammar Behind These Phrases
To understand why what it looks like is correct, you need to examine how English builds descriptive phrases.
Three small words drive the entire structure:
- what
- how
- like
Each one plays a specific role in grammar. When you combine them incorrectly, the sentence stops working.
Let’s break them down one by one.
The Role of “What” in Descriptions
The word what often introduces a clause that acts as a noun in a sentence. In grammar, this is called a noun clause.
A noun clause functions just like a regular noun. It can act as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.
When someone says:
Tell me what it looks like.
The phrase “what it looks like” works as the object of the verb tell.
The sentence asks for a description of appearance.
Here are several examples.
- Describe what the new building looks like.
- I forgot what her car looks like.
- Explain what the logo looks like.
In each sentence, the speaker wants a clear description.
The structure is straightforward.
Structure
What + subject + verb + like
Example:
What + it + looks + like
This pattern appears frequently in English conversations.
The Role of “How” in English Sentences
The word how serves a different purpose. Instead of asking for identity or description, it focuses on manner, condition, or evaluation.
In simple terms, how asks about quality or state.
For example:
- Tell me how it looks.
- Explain how the design looks.
- Let me know how the presentation looks.
In these sentences, the speaker wants feedback or an opinion.
Notice something important. These sentences do not require the word like.
That is the key difference.
The structure looks like this.
How + subject + verb
Example:
How + it + looks
This structure already contains the full meaning. Adding like creates a grammatical problem.
The Function of “Like” in Descriptions
The word like usually introduces a comparison.
When we say something looks like something else, we compare its appearance to another object.
For example:
- The cloud looks like a dragon.
- The building looks like a castle.
- The cake looks like a flower.
Here, like connects the appearance to another image.
Now look at this example.
What it looks like
This phrase already contains the comparison word like, which means the description is built into the structure.
If we added how, the sentence would repeat the same meaning unnecessarily.
That is why how it looks like sounds wrong to native speakers.
Why “What It Looks Like” Is Grammatically Correct
Now that you understand the grammar pieces, the correct phrase becomes easier to see.
The structure “what it looks like” works because it asks for a description of appearance.
Let’s examine the structure more closely.
What — introduces the clause
It — subject
Looks — verb
Like — comparison marker
The sentence asks someone to describe an appearance by comparing it to something.
Here are common examples you will hear in daily conversation.
- Tell me what the new phone looks like.
- Can you describe what the building looks like?
- I remember what the old house looked like.
These sentences feel natural to native speakers because the grammar structure is complete.
You will hear this phrase frequently in:
- conversations
- interviews
- storytelling
- news reports
- casual descriptions
Because of that, mastering this phrase improves your natural English fluency.
Why “How It Looks Like” Is Incorrect
Now let’s examine the incorrect phrase.
How it looks like
This phrase combines two structures that should not appear together.
Here is the problem.
How already asks about manner or condition.
Like already introduces comparison.
When both appear together, the sentence duplicates meaning.
In simple terms, the sentence says the same thing twice.
That redundancy makes the sentence grammatically awkward.
Examples of incorrect usage include:
- Tell me how it looks like.
- Explain how the building looks like.
- Show me how the design looks like.
All of these sentences sound unnatural in standard English.
Instead, native speakers use one of two correct options.
Correct alternatives:
- Tell me what it looks like.
- Tell me how it looks.
Both sentences are acceptable, but they ask slightly different things.
How It Looks vs What It Looks Like
This is where many learners still feel confused. Both phrases are correct, yet they serve different purposes.
Understanding the difference makes your English clearer and more precise.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| What it looks like | Asking for a description | Tell me what it looks like |
| How it looks | Asking for an opinion | Tell me how it looks |
| How it looks like | Incorrect grammar | Avoid using it |
Think of it this way.
What it looks like = description
How it looks = evaluation
Let’s look at examples to clarify this difference.
Description example:
- Tell me what the new office looks like.
The speaker wants details about the appearance.
Evaluation example:
- Tell me how the new office looks.
The speaker wants an opinion.
The building might look good, modern, or impressive.
Common Situations Where Each Phrase Is Used
Understanding real situations makes grammar rules easier to remember.
Here are typical contexts where each phrase appears.
Asking for a Physical Description
Use what it looks like when you want someone to describe an object or place.
Examples:
- Tell me what the restaurant looks like.
- Can you explain what the new phone looks like?
- Describe what the museum looks like.
The answer usually includes visual details such as:
- color
- shape
- size
- style
- design
Example response:
The building looks like a modern glass tower.
Asking for Feedback or Opinion
Use how it looks when asking for feedback.
Examples:
- Tell me how my haircut looks.
- How does the logo look?
- Let me know how the website looks.
Here the speaker wants evaluation.
Possible answers include:
- It looks great.
- It looks professional.
- It looks too simple.
Common Mistakes English Learners Make
Even experienced learners sometimes make small grammar errors with these phrases.
Below are the most common ones.
Incorrect:
- How it looks like
- How does it look like
- Tell me how it looks like
Correct:
- What it looks like
- What does it look like
- Tell me how it looks
Another mistake involves mixing both correct phrases.
Example:
Incorrect:
Tell me what it looks.
Correct:
Tell me what it looks like.
The word like is necessary when using what.
Remember this simple tip.
What requires like.
How does not.
This trick helps many learners remember the rule quickly.
Real-World Examples from Everyday English
To see how native speakers use these phrases, let’s examine real-life conversation patterns.
Conversation example:
Person A: What does the new apartment look like?
Person B: It looks like a modern loft with large windows.
Workplace example:
A manager might say:
Please send photos so we know what it looks like.
Feedback example:
A designer might ask:
Tell me how the layout looks before we publish it.
In each case, the speaker chooses the phrase depending on whether they want description or evaluation.
Visual Explanation of the Grammar Difference
The difference becomes clearer when you compare the sentence structures side by side.
Correct structures:
What it looks like
How it looks
Incorrect structure:
How it looks like
Think of it as choosing one grammatical path.
Either describe the appearance or ask for an opinion. Mixing both paths leads to incorrect grammar.
Quick Reference Table for Daily Use
This table summarizes everything in one place.
| Situation | Correct Phrase | Example |
| Asking for description | What it looks like | Tell me what it looks like |
| Asking for opinion | How it looks | Tell me how it looks |
| Common learner mistake | How it looks like | Incorrect |
This quick reference works well when writing emails, assignments, or reports.
Practice Exercises to Master the Phrase
Learning grammar becomes easier with practice.
Try these simple exercises.
Exercise One
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Tell me ______ the new building looks like.
Correct answer:
what
Full sentence:
Tell me what the new building looks like.
Exercise Two
Choose the correct sentence.
A. Tell me how it looks like.
B. Tell me what it looks like.
Correct answer:
B
Exercise Three
Correct the sentence.
Explain how the product looks like.
Correct version:
Explain what the product looks like.
Practicing these small exercises strengthens your grammar instincts.
Advanced Tip: Using Both Phrases in One Sentence
Interestingly, you can use both correct phrases together in a single sentence when they serve different purposes.
Example:
Tell me what it looks like and how it looks after renovation.
Here the speaker asks for two different pieces of information.
First: description
Second: evaluation
Another example:
Describe what the room looks like and tell me how it looks with the new lighting.
This advanced usage appears frequently in professional communication.
Case Study: ESL Learners and the “How It Looks Like” Mistake
Many ESL learners struggle with this grammar point because their native languages use similar structures.
For example, in several European and Asian languages, the equivalent phrase often translates directly to how it looks like.
Because of this translation habit, learners repeat the phrase in English.
Teachers often correct the mistake by teaching a simple rule.
Choose one structure:
- What it looks like
- How it looks
Never combine both.
Students who adopt this rule usually eliminate the error quickly.
Tips for Writing and Speaking Correctly
Improving grammar requires consistent practice. The following tips help many learners master this rule.
Pay Attention to Native Speech
Listen to interviews, podcasts, or films. Notice how speakers ask for descriptions.
You will often hear:
What does it look like?
Use the Phrase in Daily Conversations
Try using the correct structures when talking to friends or classmates.
Example:
What does your new office look like?
Practice Writing Short Sentences
Write simple sentences such as:
Tell me what it looks like.
Tell me how it looks.
Read English Articles and Books
Exposure to correct grammar reinforces patterns naturally.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “What It Looks Like” vs “How It Looks Like” is an important part of mastering English grammar and avoiding common usage mistakes. Although both phrases may sound similar, they do not follow the same grammar structure. The phrase what it looks like correctly describes appearance, while how it looks like creates an incorrect construction because how already expresses manner and does not work with like in this form.
Many learners and even native speakers make this mistake because the phrases appear natural at first glance, especially when influenced by another language or informal communication. By paying attention to sentence structure, context, and meaning, it becomes much easier to choose the correct expression. With practice, examples, and regular use in writing and speaking, the correct phrase quickly becomes a natural part of everyday English communication.
FAQs
Q1. Is “how it looks like” correct in English?
No. “How it looks like” is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English grammar. The correct phrase is “what it looks like.”
Q2. Why is “what it looks like” correct?
The word what introduces a noun clause that describes appearance, which makes “what it looks like” grammatically correct.
Q3. When should I use “how it looks”?
Use “how it looks” when describing the manner or condition of something, for example: I like how it looks.
Q4. Why do many learners say “how it looks like”?
Many learners translate directly from another language where a similar structure exists, which causes this common grammar mistake.
Q5. Is this mistake common among native speakers?
Yes, sometimes even native speakers use “how it looks like” in informal speech, although it is still considered incorrect in standard grammar.
Q6. What is the easiest way to remember the correct phrase?
Remember that “what” describes appearance, while “how” describes manner. So use what it looks like when talking about how something appears.
Q7. Can “what it looks like” be used in formal writing?
Yes. “What it looks like” is perfectly acceptable in both formal writing and everyday communication.
Q8. What is an example of “what it looks like” in a sentence?
Example: She described what it looks like so clearly that everyone understood immediately.
