Meaning: As a link verb it can mean "seem" or "appear" and can be followed by adjectives or nouns. |
For example: Right: You look sad, what's the matter. Wrong: You look sadly, what's the matter. |
Other examples: I looked a real fool when I jumped on the mud. The kitchen looks a mess. |
Please note: To talk about a temporary appearance, we can use simple or progressive forms. There is not much difference of meaning. |
For example: You look/ You're looking very sad, what's the matter? |
Please note: It can be followed by like or as if. Progressive forms are not usually used in this case. |
For example: He looks like his father. It looks as if it’s going to flood. She looks as if she's hungry. |
Another meaning: If could also mean "direct one's eyes". In this case it is used with adverbs, not adjectives. Before an object, a preposition is necessary. |
For example: Right: The woman looked at me sadly Wrong: The woman looked at me sad. |
Please note: A preposition is not used when there is no object. |
For example: Right: Look! It's turning red. Wrong: Look at! It's turning red. |
Another meaning: It is used before if or whether. To see, not look. For example: Right: Could you see if Miki's in the bathroom? Wrong: Could you look if Miki's in the bathroom? |