seemed/looked +ing

[navi tasan]

Are these sentences correct:

1-The horizon seemed lightening up.
2-The horizon looked lightening up.
(It seemed as if the horizon was lightening up.)

3-The horizon seemed turning a paler blue.
4-The horizon looked turning a paler blue.
(It seemed like the horizon was turning a paler blue.)

 

[Kendama]

No, these sentences are not correct. Here's what you should say:

The horizon seemed TO BE lightening up.

The horizon looked TO BE lightening up.

Add TO BE for the last sentences as well.

Also, I would use 'seemed' rather than 'looked' in all these sentences.

 

[tedtmc]

not a teacher

The phrase 'looked to be' does not sound right.

 

[bhaisahab]

It is a common term in the US.

It's common enough in the UK as well.