What is the difference?

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Author: Farham | Published: 13-03-2010 | Times seen: 881048 | Category: English Grammar: Intermediate

What is the difference between following sentences?
He looks a good man
He appears to be a good man
Sounds like he is a good man
He seems to be a good man.
What is the difference between " look like" "sounds like" "seem" and " appear"
Thank YOU

Author: Mike | Published: 18-09-2010 | Times seen: 880585 | Category: English Grammar: Intermediate

Re: [Farham] What is the difference?

Hello, Farham!

Look like and sound like are informal. Seem is neutral and appear is formal.

Compare the following sentences:
It looks like rain. (It looks as if / as though it is going to rain.)
It looks like brandy. (I think it is brandy.)
This looks to me like a big mistake. (I think it is a big mistake.)
-What does she look like? (physical appearance)
-She looks like her father.
It sounds like a horn. (I think it is a horn.)
His suggestion sounds like a crazy idea.
It sounds to me like / as if / as though they have a love affair. (I think they have a love affair.)
He is very handsome and friendly, and it seems like all the girls in this small town are his friends.
It seems / appears (to me) that it is going to rain.
She looks happy.
That sounds great.
They seem / appear (to be) very rich.
Margaret seems / appears very upset to me.

Best regards,
Mike