Look proud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Look proud" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to display confidence or pride in a particular situation or achievement. Example: "After winning the championship, I told the team to look proud as they accepted their trophies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I look proud; he looks proud of me.

The New Yorker

"My chin is raised, I've got the apron around my neck, I look proud, as if I'm the king of a company, a C.E.O".

The New York Times

They sling their arms around each other, look proud, I take a photo and drive forward.

Vice

Taylor describes the result as innovative for its time, with the wall made to look "proud and sharp as the prow of a liner".

Wikipedia

MCCASKILL IS SICK AND TIRED OF THIS $&#^ - This hurry to pass the health care bill doesn't exactly make Republicans look proud of it.

Huffington Post

Cosmo Lang complained that his portrait by Orpen "makes me look proud, pompous and prelatical", to which Henson responded, "And to which of those epithets does your Grace take exception?" Grimley remarks that on occasion each of those unflattering adjectives applied just as much to Henson.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

They looked proud.

The New York Times

Sansa looks proud but worried.

The New Yorker

But he looked proud of himself.

The New York Times

Kamal, 26, looked proud in her purple hijab.

The New York Times

He looked proud and satisfied, and proposed a new game.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Look proud" when you want to encourage someone to project confidence and satisfaction, regardless of their internal feelings. This can be particularly useful in situations where outward appearances matter.

Common error

Be mindful of the context. While "Look proud" can be encouraging, avoid situations where it might be interpreted as arrogance or boastfulness. Choose your words carefully to convey confidence without alienating others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Look proud" primarily functions as an imperative, where "look" serves as a verb instructing someone to adopt a certain appearance, and "proud" is an adjective describing the desired state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and encourages one to display confidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

32%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Look proud" is a grammatically sound and commonly used imperative phrase that encourages the projection of confidence and satisfaction. As validated by Ludwig AI, it’s appropriate for a range of contexts, from casual to professional, though it leans towards the neutral to informal side. Usage data shows it's frequently found in news and media, as well as wiki-style content. Remember that while the phrase is correct, it is important to consider the context to ensure it is not misinterpreted as arrogance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Appear confident

Focuses on projecting an image of self-assurance, rather than specifically feeling or displaying pride.

Seem self-assured

Emphasizes the impression of being secure and confident in oneself.

Display confidence

Highlights the act of showing confidence outwardly.

Radiate pride

Suggests a strong and visible expression of pride, almost like an aura.

Carry oneself with dignity

Conveys a sense of composure and self-respect in one's demeanor.

Stand tall

Implies both physical and emotional strength and pride.

Have a proud demeanor

Focuses on the overall impression one gives off, rather than a specific action.

Exude self-esteem

Highlights the feeling of worthiness and respect for oneself.

Look triumphant

Suggests a feeling of victory or success being displayed.

Appear victorious

Focuses on the external impression of having achieved success or overcome a challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "Look proud" in a sentence?

You can use "Look proud" to advise someone to show confidence or satisfaction, as in "Even if you're nervous, try to look proud when you present your work."

What's a more formal way to say "Look proud"?

In a more formal setting, you could say "Display confidence" or "Exude self-assurance". These phrases convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

When is it inappropriate to tell someone to "Look proud"?

It might be inappropriate to tell someone to "Look proud" if they are experiencing a setback or expressing vulnerability. In such cases, empathy and support are more suitable responses.

What can I say instead of "Look proud" to encourage someone?

You can use alternatives like "appear confident", "stand tall", or "display confidence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.