Functions and notions

Appearances

To describe appearance we can use the following verbs + as if, as though or like: look, sound, act, behave and smell.

He

looked sounded acted behaved smelled

as if as though like

he had been drinking heavily.

 

Note: When look has the meaning appear, it is not usually used in the continuous.

• He was looking as though he had been drinking heavily.

As if and as though have exactly the same meaning.

Like is used in informal English.

With the verbs appear (meaning look) and seem, we use the following two constructions:

-appear/seem + infinitive.

• She appears to be happy about it.
• He appeared to have been drinking heavily.
• They seem to have lots of money.
• She seemed to have given up hope.

-it + appear/seem + as if/as though/like.

• It seems like it's going to rain.
• It appeared as though he had not noticed her.
• It seemed as if he wanted to leave.