Clarifying the Correct Usage of 'It Looks Beautiful'

Confusion often arises when it comes to the correct usage of contractions in English. One such common question is whether to say 'It looks beautiful' or 'It's looks beautiful'. In this article, we will explore why the first phrase is correct, delve into grammatical rules, and provide examples to help solidify your understanding.

Understanding Contractions

Contractions are shortened forms of words, typically achieved by combining two words. In the case of 'it's', it is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has'. Therefore, its full form should never be split into 'it is looks' or any other combination of words.

Why 'It Looks Beautiful' is Correct

The phrase 'It looks beautiful' is grammatically correct. This is because:

It is a subject pronoun: 'It' here refers to a location, object, or entity that looks beautiful. 'Looks' is a verb: 'Looks' is the present tense, third-person singular form of the verb 'to look', describing the action or state of appearance. No contraction needed: Since neither 'looks' nor 'beautiful' are shortened forms, no contraction is necessary.

Huddleston, Rodney (emeritus professor) and Pullum, Geoffrey, authors of 'The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language', provide authoritative insights into the complexities of English grammar, emphasizing the correct usage of contractions and verbs.

Why 'It's Looks Beautiful' is Incorrect

Let's break down the phrase 'It's looks beautiful':

Contraction error: 'It's' is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has', not a standalone word. Incorrect sequence of verbs: Following the contraction with 'looks' is grammatically incorrect, as it disrupts the natural flow and meaning of the sentence. Logical meaning: The sentence 'It is looks beautiful' fails to convey a coherent or logical meaning.

Using contractions appropriately is crucial for proper grammar and fluent communication. For instance, 'It's a beautiful day' is correct, while 'It's a day is beautiful' is not.

Example Sentences

Here are some examples to illustrate the correct and incorrect usage:

Correct: 'The sky looks beautiful.' (Replaces the subject pronoun with 'sky') Correct: 'It is beautiful.' (General statement about a subject) Incorrect: 'It's looks beautiful.' (Incorrect form, disrupting the grammatical structure) Correct: 'It’s a beautiful sight.' (Using 'it's' as a contraction)

Additionally, contractions can be used in spoken or informal English. For example, 'It’s a beautiful day' is commonly used and easily understood.

Conclusion

Understanding the correct usage of contractions and verbs is essential for clear and effective communication in English. By following grammatical rules, using contractions appropriately, and avoiding incorrect sequences of words, you can ensure that your writing or speech is both accurate and understandable.

Remember, while contractions are often used in everyday speech, they should be used mindfully and correctly to avoid confusion. The phrase 'It looks beautiful' is the correct and grammatically sound choice.