Learn English – Correct Usage of “Look” vs. “Looks” — Appearance of Something

singular-vs-plural

Question on using "Looks" vs "Look" in the noun form when meaning appearance.

When describing a singular object, I'm not sure if this should be in the plural form. Oxford says "usually singular," so I'm not sure if there's a steadfast rule or not.

Which is correct in this example?

  1. The restaurant dish must deliver on both taste and look.
  2. The restaurant dish must deliver on both taste and looks.

Best Answer

When using looks (meaning appearance), I would stick to that definition (different from look):

plural noun
a person's physical appearance
a young woman with wholesome good looks
I never chose people just because of their looks.
She had lost her looks.

Normally looks is only used with people. Otherwise, I would use appearance:

The restaurant dish must deliver on both taste and appearance.

You might get away with look as a singular noun:

singular noun
If someone or something has a particular look, they have a particular appearance or expression. She had the look of someone deserted and betrayed.
When he came to decorate the kitchen, Kenneth opted for a friendly rustic look.
To soften a formal look, Caroline recommends ethnic blouses.

But again, it is almost always used to describe people.

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