What It Looks Like vs How It Looks Like? Master the Correct English Usage (2026)

English learners often get confused between “what it looks like” and “how it looks like.”

These phrases seem very similar, but using them incorrectly can make your English sound unnatural or grammatically wrong.

Understanding the difference is crucial for daily conversations, writing emails, describing objects, or even explaining ideas clearly.

Many students mix these phrases because in spoken English, we often hear “how it looks like” from movies, TV shows, or casual conversations.

While it may sound okay to some ears, it’s grammatically incorrect. On the other hand, “what it looks like” is correct in almost all formal and informal situations.

Learning the difference will not only improve your grammar but also help you sound confident when describing things in English.

After reading this, you will clearly understand when to use “what it looks like” and why “how it looks like” is wrong.

You’ll also learn the correct structures, common mistakes to avoid, and simple tricks to remember the difference.

By the end, you’ll be able to describe anything accurately—whether it’s a picture, a place, or a feeling.

---

What Does “What It Looks Like” Mean?

Simple Definition

“What it looks like” is a phrase used to describe the appearance of something. It answers questions about the shape, color, size, or general visual impression of an object or person.

When to Use It

• When describing the appearance of an object, person, or scene.
• In both spoken and written English.
• Always after verbs like show, tell, explain, imagine, or when asking a question.

Grammar Rule

The structure is:

what + subject + looks like

Notice: There is no “how” in this correct form. The word like is part of the phrase, not optional.

Example Sentences

1. Can you show me what it looks like?
2. I don’t know what the new building looks like.
3. Tell me what her dress looks like.
4. This is what the park looks like in spring.
5. He described what the movie scene looks like.
6. I can’t imagine what it looks like inside the castle.
7. Do you know what this fruit looks like?
8. She drew a picture to show what the room looks like.

Common Learner Confusion

• Many learners say “how it looks like” because in their native language, the translation might include “how.”
• Confusing “what” and “how” leads to grammatical errors.
• Remember: “what it looks like” is correct, never add “how.”

---

What Does “How It Looks Like” Mean?

Simple Definition

Technically, “how it looks like” is grammatically incorrect in English. Native speakers never use “like” after “how.” The correct form is just how it looks.

• “How it looks” = describing the manner or style of appearance.
• “What it looks like” = describing the object’s actual appearance.

When to Use It

Use how it looks instead of “how it looks like” when talking about the way something appears.

Grammar Rule

Correct structures:

• how + subject + looks
• Do NOT add “like” after “how.”

Example Sentences (Correct Version)

1. I like how this painting looks.
2. Can you tell me how the cake looks after baking?
3. I don’t know how the room looks now.
4. She showed me how her new car looks.
5. They were surprised by how the city looks at night.
6. I love how the sky looks in the morning.
7. He explained how the costume looks on stage.
8. She admired how the garden looks after the rain.

Common Learner Confusion

• Learners often add “like” because in many languages, “how it looks like” is a direct translation.
• Mixing “how” and “like” = redundancy.
• Remember: how it looks is correct; never say “how it looks like.”

---

Difference Between “What It Looks Like” and “How It Looks Like”

Feature	What It Looks Like	How It Looks / Incorrect “How It Looks Like”
Grammar	Correct	“How it looks like” = incorrect; “How it looks” = correct
Meaning	Focuses on the actual appearance	Focuses on the manner, style, or way it appears
Use	Asking/describing specific appearance	Asking/describing style or way something appears
Structure	what + subject + looks like	how + subject + looks
Example	Tell me what it looks like.	Tell me how it looks. (Correct)
Common Mistake	None	Adding “like” after how = wrong

Key Logic:

• “What it looks like” = visual description (shape, color, size).
• “How it looks” = style or manner (nice, big, elegant).
• Never mix “how” with “like.”

---

Grammar Rules You Must Remember

Rule #1: Never use “like” after “how”

• Wrong: How it looks like?
• Correct: How it looks?

Rule #2: Use “what it looks like” for appearance

• Example: I can’t believe what it looks like inside the museum.

Rule #3: “How it looks” = style, manner, or impression

• Example: I love how the room looks after painting.

Rule #4: Questions with “what it looks like” always require a verb

• Example: Can you show me what it looks like?
• Do NOT say: Can you show me what looks like? (Incorrect)

---

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Mistake: How it looks like?
   Correction: What does it look like?
2. Mistake: I don’t know how it looks like.
   Correction: I don’t know what it looks like.
3. Mistake: Tell me how it looks like.
   Correction: Tell me what it looks like.
4. Mistake: I like what it looks like. (Correct, but sounds awkward in some contexts; “how it looks” might be better for style.)

Easy Tip:

• Ask: Are you describing the actual appearance (use “what”) or the style/manner (use “how”)?
• If “like” is involved → probably you need “what it looks like.”

---

Easy Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “what” = the object itself and “how” = the way it appears.

• Imagine a friend shows you a painting:
  • “What it looks like?” → focus on colors, shapes, objects in the painting.
  • “How it looks?” → focus on style, beauty, impression.

Memory trick:

• What = concrete description
• How = style/manner
• Like only goes with “what,” never with “how.”

---

Daily Life Examples

1. Can you show me what your new phone looks like?
2. I don’t know what the weather looks like today.
3. She asked me what the party looks like before she arrived.
4. I love how this dress looks on you.
5. Do you know what the cake looks like after baking?
6. He explained how the city looks from the top of the tower.
7. Can you imagine what the beach looks like at sunset?
8. I’m curious about how the garden looks after the rain.
9. Tell me what the painting looks like in real life.
10. She couldn’t believe how the room looks after cleaning.

---

Practice Section

Choose the correct option:

1. Can you tell me ___ the house looks like?
   a) how
   b) what
2. I don’t know ___ the new mall looks.
   a) how
   b) what
3. Show me ___ your backpack looks like.
   a) how
   b) what
4. I like ___ this dress looks on you.
   a) how
   b) what
5. Do you know ___ the museum looks like inside?
   a) how
   b) what

Answers: 1-b, 2-a, 3-b, 4-a, 5-b

---

FAQs

1. What is the difference between “what it looks like” and “how it looks”?

• “What it looks like” describes the actual appearance.
• “How it looks” describes the style, manner, or impression.

2. Can we use “how it looks like” in questions?

• No. “How it looks like” is grammatically wrong. Use “what it looks like” or “how it looks.”

3. Is “what it looks like” formal or informal?

• It is correct in both formal and informal contexts.

4. Can “how it looks” be used for people?

• Yes. Example: I like how she looks in that dress.

5. Why do learners say “how it looks like”?

• It comes from translating directly from their native language, where “how” and “like” appear together.

6. Can I replace “what it looks like” with “how it appears”?

• Yes, in formal writing. Example: I want to see how the room appears after renovation.

---

Final Conclusion

Mastering the difference between what it looks like and how it looks like is essential for speaking and writing English confidently.

Remember, what it looks like describes the actual appearance, while how it looks talks about style, manner, or impression.

Avoid saying “how it looks like”, because it is grammatically incorrect.

By practicing the correct structures, using real-life examples, and applying simple memory tricks, you will sound much more natural.

Start describing objects, pictures, or places in your daily life using these phrases, and soon it will feel automatic.

Clear and correct English makes your communication precise, professional, and easy to understand.

Keep practicing, and you’ll notice a big improvement in both speaking and writing skills.