ESEN

Which one to use?Intermediateverbverb

lookvsseem

Both can mean 'parecer', but one is based on visual appearance and the other on general impression.

Side-by-side comparison

look

verb

Verb (linking verb). To have a certain visual appearance. Based on what is seen with the eyes.

She looks tired.
Ella parece cansada.
That looks delicious!
¡Eso parece delicioso!
He looks like his father.
Él se parece a su padre.

seem

verb

Verb. To give a general impression, not necessarily visual. Can be based on logic, evidence, or other senses.

It seems like a good idea.
Parece una buena idea.
She seems to know everyone here.
Parece que ella conoce a todos aquí.
Something seems wrong. I can feel it.
Algo parece estar mal. Lo puedo sentir.

Common mistake

Using "look" when the impression is not visual. Example: "Something looks wrong. I can feel it" is contradictory — if you feel it but do not see it, use "seem".

Trick to remember it

"Look" = visual appearance (you see it with your eyes). "Seem" = general impression (visual, logical, emotional, or based on evidence). If you could add "with my eyes", use "look". For a broader impression, use "seem".

Quick rule

Does the impression come from what you see visually? Use "look". Does the impression come from a mix of signals or is not visual? Use "seem".

Did you know?

"Seem" pairs naturally with infinitives in a way "look" does not: "She seems to know everyone" is perfectly natural. "She looks to know everyone" does not work. Also, "it seems" as an introductory phrase is very common in formal English, while "it looks" is more informal.

Practise what you learned

Exercise 1 · Pick the right one

She _____ tired. She has dark circles under her eyes.

Exercise 2 · Pick the right one

The situation _____ very serious.

Exercise 3 · Form the word

Frequently asked questions

When do I use "look" and when do I use "seem"?

Does the impression come from what you see visually? Use "look". Does the impression come from a mix of signals or is not visual? Use "seem".

What is the most common mistake with "look" and "seem"?

Using "look" when the impression is not visual. Example: "Something looks wrong. I can feel it" is contradictory — if you feel it but do not see it, use "seem".

How do I remember the difference between "look" and "seem"?

Related word pairs

seevswatch

Bryan López

Founder of SpeakUP Academy

July 22, 2026

See all word pairs Explore more confusing words

Side-by-side comparison

look

verb

Verb (linking verb). To have a certain visual appearance. Based on what is seen with the eyes.

She looks tired.
Ella parece cansada.
That looks delicious!
¡Eso parece delicioso!
He looks like his father.
Él se parece a su padre.

seem

verb

Verb. To give a general impression, not necessarily visual. Can be based on logic, evidence, or other senses.

It seems like a good idea.
Parece una buena idea.
She seems to know everyone here.
Parece que ella conoce a todos aquí.
Something seems wrong. I can feel it.
Algo parece estar mal. Lo puedo sentir.

Practise what you learned

Exercise 1 · Pick the right one

She _____ tired. She has dark circles under her eyes.

Exercise 2 · Pick the right one

The situation _____ very serious.

Exercise 3 · Form the word

Frequently asked questions

When do I use "look" and when do I use "seem"?

Does the impression come from what you see visually? Use "look". Does the impression come from a mix of signals or is not visual? Use "seem".

What is the most common mistake with "look" and "seem"?

Using "look" when the impression is not visual. Example: "Something looks wrong. I can feel it" is contradictory — if you feel it but do not see it, use "seem".