Native Phrase Lab
WillowbrookDescribing People
"What does she look like?" vs "What is she like?" Learn how to describe appearance and personality using the correct grammar and vocabulary.
1. Grammar: BE vs. HAVE
BE (is / are / am)
Use 'be' for adjectives (describing words).
- She is tall.
- He is handsome.
- They are young.
- I am shy.
HAVE (has / have)
Use 'have' for nouns (body parts).
- She has blue eyes.
- He has a beard.
- They have curly hair.
- I have glasses.
2. Appearance Vocabulary
Hair
Straight, Wavy, Curly, Bald.
Blonde, Brunette (Brown), Black, Red, Grey.
Face & Skin
He has a dark complexion. She has freckles. He hasn't shaved, so he has stubble.
Body
He is tall and has an athletic build. She is slim. He is overweight (polite) / fat (impolite).
3. Personality Traits
Use these adjectives with "He/She is...".
Positive
- Generous: Likes to give.
- Outgoing: Friendly and social.
- Honest: Tells the truth.
- Punctual: Always on time.
Negative
- Stingy: Doesn't like to spend money.
- Rude: Not polite.
- Lazy: Doesn't like to work.
- Arrogant: Thinks they are better than others.
Don't Confuse These Questions!
1. "What does she LOOK like?"
Asks about Appearance.
Answer: "She is tall and has brown hair."
2. "What IS she like?"
Asks about Personality.
Answer: "She is kind and funny."