Understanding the Correct Usage of 'It Looks as if' in English

When it comes to expressing what seems likely to happen in the future, the phrase 'it looks as if' is a common construction in the English language. However, nuances in grammar and usage can sometimes be confusing. This article explains the correct usage of different tenses in conjunction with 'it looks as if' and provides examples to clarify any misunderstandings.

Grammar and Tense Agreement

The correct form of 'it looks as if' is to use the simple present or present continuous tense depending on the time frame of the sentence. When referring to something happening in the future, 'it looks as if' should be followed by the present tense. This aligns with the meaning of saying that it is likely or seems likely that something will happen:

Example 1: Current Tense

It looks as if it is going to rain.

Example 2: Past Tense

It looked as if it was going to rain.

It is generally more common and natural to use the simple present tense 'is' unless referring to a past time. For instance:

Example 3: UK Variation

In British English, one might say:

It's raining.

The Misuse of 'were'

Using 'were' with 'it looks as if' is incorrect because it changes the tense to past while 'looks as if' implies a future prediction. For example, saying:

It looks as if it were going to rain.

is not grammatically correct. The correct form should be:

It looks as if it is going to rain.

Subjunctive Mood vs. Indicative Mood

Subjunctive mood is used to express hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations. In the context of weather predictions, where the outcome is a likely or expected event, the subjunctive mood is not applicable. Therefore, the indicative mood is the correct form to use. For instance:

Incorrect:

It looks as if it were going to rain.

Correct:

It looks as if it is going to rain.

Slightly Formal Alternatives

While 'it looks as if it is going to rain' is grammatically correct, there are slightly more casual alternatives to make the sentence sound more natural. These alternatives include:

It looks like it's going to rain. It looks as if it's going to rain. It looks like rain.

These variations are commonly used in everyday speech and are more relatable than the more formal construction.

Subjunctive Usage: Literary Language

The subjunctive mood, which uses 'were' in a conditional or hypothetical situation, is more commonly found in literary or formal language, such as:

If it were possible, he would go.

When predicting something that is likely to happen, like the weather, the indicative mood is the preferred choice:

I think it will rain tonight.

Verbs 'Will' and 'Shall'

The verbs 'will' and 'shall' are often used interchangeably in prediction and future tense. However, 'shall' is generally considered more formal and is not commonly used in everyday conversation unless offering a proposal or making an offer. For example:

Shall I open this for you?

Shall we go?

In general, 'will' is the more common and informal choice for expressing future events and intentions:

I think it will rain tonight.

Using 'will' in this context is less formal and more commonly used in everyday speech.

Overall, the correct use of 'it looks as if' and related tenses is a matter of aligning tenses to the time frames and likelihood of the prediction, while considering the context and formality level of the communication.