Explanations » B1+ Grammar Explanations » Verbs of the senses: look, sound, feel, etc.
Exercises Explanation Downloads
  • Verbs of the senses – Grammar chart

    A grammar chart explaining how to use verbs of the senses like "look," "smell," "taste," "sound," and "feel." It includes examples and different structures using adjectives, nouns, and clauses.

    Download full-size image from Pinterest

    Verbs of the senses

    We can use the verbs look, smell, taste, sound and feel before adjectives, nouns, and clauses (subject + verb)

    Look, smell, taste, sound, feel + adjective

    We can use feel, smell, taste, sound, and feel + adjective to talk about how something feels, tastes, etc.

    • When you use that cream, your skin feels really smooth.
    • When he talked to us, he sounded nervous.

    Look, smell, taste, sound, feel + like + noun

    We can also use feel, smell, taste, sound, and feel + like before a noun.

    • You sound like your mother
    • This tastes like chicken.

    Look, smell, taste, sound, feel + as if/as though + clause

    We use feel, smell, taste, sound, and feel + as if/as though + clause (subject + verb).

    • You sound as if you had a long party last night.
    • You look as though you’ve just seen a ghost.

    Note that in informal English, we often also use feel, smell, taste, sound, and feel like + clause.

    • You sound like you had a long party last night.
    • You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.