Many times while I talked to others or wrote some text messages I got confusion about which phrase I should use to express the actual meaning of the words
It seems . . .
and
It looks like . . .
Please help me to clarify my doubts about how to use these words correctly?
Best Answer
There is a subtle difference in usage between the two.
When we say "it looks like", we are talking about a quick visual inspection. If we want to investigate something casually, we say we will "take a look". The implication is that this is a brief, "at a glance" impression, and while we have some confidence we are not absolutely certain. "It looks like" is usually used to imply something we are almost certain about. There is a saying: "If it looks like a duck, and it walks like a duck, chances are... it's a duck."
When we say "it seems like", we are focusing on the impression given by the subject. There is more doubt implied in this phrasing, because it suggests you may be deceived, where "it looks like" suggests you are likely correct.
Both phrases are often used humorously. It's funny to use one of these phrases when the outcome is not in doubt. ("Well, we're all gonna die here." "Looks like.") ("That didn't work" "Didn't seem to, no.") It's also funny to see someone use one of these phrases to show they are casual in a very serious situation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbzuu14bGgs