a doubtful glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a doubtful glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look that expresses uncertainty or skepticism about something. Example: "She gave him a doubtful glance when he claimed he could finish the project in one day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Doubtful glances.

The New York Times - Arts

When she arrived at the site, she waved away doubtful glances from male rescuers and got straight to work.

Independent

That may seem like a doubtful proposition.

Harvard Business Review

She gave me a doubtful look.

The New Yorker

She had been a doubtful starter with a bruised heel.

The Guardian - Sport

A British summer is usually a doubtful, fleeting thing.

The New Yorker

douarrha had become a nomen dubium — a doubtful name.

The New Yorker

That's a doubtful proposition, however.

Forbes

His lips form a doubtful seam.

Los Angeles Times

He would pass me a doubtful look.

Huffington Post

This truth is not a doubtful one.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a doubtful glance" to subtly convey skepticism or uncertainty in a narrative, allowing the reader to infer a character's feelings without explicitly stating them.

Common error

Avoid using "a doubtful glance" when a stronger expression of disbelief or suspicion is needed. Alternatives like "a disbelieving stare" might be more appropriate in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a doubtful glance" functions as a noun phrase describing a specific type of look. It's used to subtly convey a character's skepticism or uncertainty, similar to what Ludwig AI suggests.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a doubtful glance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a look conveying skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Although example sentences are missing, the phrase is versatile and suitable for various registers. Related phrases such as "a skeptical look" or "a questioning gaze" offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. When writing, use this phrase to subtly convey character's feelings, but be mindful of choosing a more emphatic expression if the situation calls for strong disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An uncertain look

Emphasizes the lack of confidence or sureness in the look.

A skeptical look

Replaces "doubtful" with "skeptical", emphasizing disbelief or questioning.

A suspicious glance

Highlights a feeling of mistrust or wariness in the look.

A wary look

Suggests caution and alertness in the expression.

A dubious expression

Substitutes "glance" with "expression", focusing on the overall facial communication of doubt.

A mistrustful gaze

Focuses on the lack of trust conveyed through the longer look.

A hesitant look

Indicates a pause or reluctance conveyed through the look.

A questioning gaze

Uses "gaze" instead of "glance", suggesting a longer, more inquisitive look.

A quizzical expression

Highlights confusion or puzzlement in the facial expression.

A disbelieving stare

Replaces "doubtful" with "disbelieving" and "glance" with "stare", conveying stronger skepticism and prolonged attention.

FAQs

How can "a doubtful glance" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a doubtful glance" to show someone's skepticism or uncertainty without explicitly stating it. For example, "She gave his explanation "a doubtful glance", unconvinced by his excuses."

What's the difference between "a doubtful glance" and "a suspicious glance"?

"A doubtful glance" implies uncertainty or mild skepticism, while "a suspicious glance" suggests a stronger feeling of mistrust or belief that something is wrong.

Are there situations where "a doubtful glance" would not be appropriate?

Yes, if the situation calls for a more direct or forceful expression of disagreement or disbelief, "a doubtful glance" might be too subtle. Consider using more explicit language or a more intense expression.

What are some alternative phrases similar to "a doubtful glance"?

You could use phrases like "a skeptical look", "a dubious expression", or "a questioning gaze" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific nuance you want to express.