English grammar
Look, seem, feel + adjective (not the -ly adverb)
Describe how someone looks right now, using look, seem and be + adjective.
From the scene The red carpet
In short
When look, seem or feel describe someone, use an adjective, not an -ly word: you look gorgeous, you seem nervous.
Your turn
Which one goes with seem + adjective (the impression you give)?
Options: you seem nervous · you look gorgeous · I feel more nervous than at Tomás's wedding
Show answer
seem + adjective (the impression you give) → you seem nervous
How it works
When look, seem, feel and be describe the person or thing, use an adjective, not an adverb.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
How do I look? This dinner jacket is (blank).
Options: new · newly · news
Show answer
How do I look? This dinner jacket is new.
¿Cómo estoy? El esmoquin es nuevo.
Good to know
You look gorgeous (not gorgeously), you seem nervous, I feel nervous.
look + adjective (how you appear) you look gorgeous
Elena
Nuria, you look gorgeous tonight!
¡Nuria, estás guapísima esta noche!
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Nuria, (blank) tonight!
Options: you seem nervous · I feel more nervous than at Tomás's wedding · you look gorgeous
Show answer
Elena
Nuria, you look gorgeous tonight!
¡Nuria, estás guapísima esta noche!
seem + adjective (the impression you give) you seem nervous
Nuria
You look very handsome, but you seem nervous.
Estás muy guapo, pero pareces nervioso.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
You look very handsome, but (blank).
Options: you look gorgeous · I feel more nervous than at Tomás's wedding · you seem nervous
Show answer
Nuria
You look very handsome, but you seem nervous.
Estás muy guapo, pero pareces nervioso.
feel + adjective (inside) I feel more nervous than at Tomás's wedding
never the -ly form you look very elegant (not elegantly)
Nuria
Thank you, Doña Elena. You look very elegant too.
Gracias, doña Elena. Usted está elegantísima también.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Thank you, Doña Elena. (blank) too.
Options: You look very elegant · You look gorgeous · You seem nervous
Show answer
Nuria
Thank you, Doña Elena. You look very elegant too.
Gracias, doña Elena. Usted está elegantísima también.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| look + adjective (how you appear) | you look gorgeous |
|---|---|
| seem + adjective (the impression you give) | you seem nervous |
| feel + adjective (inside) | I feel more nervous than at Tomás's wedding |
| never the -ly form | you look very elegant (not elegantly) |
More lines from the story
- JaviHow do I look? This dinner jacket is new.¿Cómo estoy? El esmoquin es nuevo.
- ElenaThis dress is from my wedding.Este vestido es de mi boda.
- ElenaAnother job, Javi? With you, it's normal now.¿Otro trabajo, Javi? Contigo, ya es normal.