a grave look

USAGE SUMMARY

"a grave look" is a grammatically correct and common phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression or demeanor that shows seriousness, concern, or solemnity. Example: The teacher's face took on a grave look as she announced that there would be a pop quiz the next day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Haven't seem them," says the youngest one, fixing me with a grave look.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With a grave look on his face, Frank instructs me to tell him when I feel a tingling.

The Guardian

When adults are talking about skateboarding, he stands right underneath them and tips one ear up toward them with a grave look on his face.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bob turned to me and, with a grave look, said, "I think I should tell you that I'm a Republican and I support McCain".

The New Yorker

The name Oz turns out to be somewhat fancifully symbolic: with a genial smile or a grave look of concern alternating on his face, he proceeds to become the granter of many a family wish.

The New York Times

We took a break from packing to watch the viral video of San Juan's mayor, Carmen Yulín Cruz, standing at a podium with a grave look on her face and raising a white flag to the rest of the world.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The painting conveyed a body rising out of a grave; looks of horror on the faces of the family; and blood.

Huffington Post

Those on the dance floor stand stock-still, clutching at themselves and staring down at the floor as if they were standing at a grave looking down upon a loved one.

Vice

As the TV cuts abruptly from new relief for those plagued with Restless Leg Syndrome to a grave looking Wolf Blitzer re-playing Ms. Bhutto's oddly prophetic sound-bite, when wearing her signature bright lipstick she talks of her own fears of "death", I feel a sense of restlessness myself.

Huffington Post

If you want to lay a rose on her grave, look for the marker that says "Madame Lamboukas dite Édith Piaf".

Los Angeles Times

"There's a real effort to get people from cradle to grave — look at the Met's new education center".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grave look" to effectively communicate a sense of importance or concern in your writing. It's particularly useful when describing a character's reaction to serious news or a difficult situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave look" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your prose sound repetitive. Instead, vary your descriptions with synonyms or more specific details about the character's expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave look" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding detail to character portrayals or scene settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and commonly understood phrase used to depict seriousness or concern.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grave look" is a grammatically sound and readily understood phrase employed to depict an expression of seriousness, concern, or solemnity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, further substantiated by examples primarily drawn from news and media sources. While not exceptionally common, it effectively communicates a weighty or significant moment, enriching character descriptions and scene-setting. To avoid repetitiveness, consider alternatives like "a serious expression" or "a solemn countenance". Its effectiveness lies in its ability to instantly convey the gravity of a situation or the depth of someone's concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious expression

Replaces "grave look" with a more general term for a serious facial expression.

a solemn countenance

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a serious and dignified appearance.

a concerned gaze

Focuses on the element of concern conveyed by the look.

a somber face

Highlights the sadness or seriousness reflected in the facial expression.

a worried expression

Emphasizes the element of worry or anxiety in the look.

a stern demeanor

Shifts focus from the facial expression to the overall behavior and attitude.

an anxious appearance

Replaces "look" with appearance to shift the emphasis.

a thoughtful mien

Uses a more literary term for "appearance" combined with thoughtfulness.

a preoccupied air

Focuses on the impression of being deeply absorbed in thought.

a grim visage

Uses stronger language to describe a severe and forbidding facial expression.

FAQs

How can I use "a grave look" in a sentence?

You can use "a grave look" to describe someone's facial expression when they are serious or concerned. For example, "The doctor gave "a grave look" before delivering the test results".

What are some alternatives to "a grave look"?

Alternatives include "a serious expression", "a solemn countenance", or "a concerned gaze", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a grave look" formal or informal?

"A grave look" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the formal side due to the word "grave".

What emotions does "a grave look" typically convey?

"A grave look" typically conveys emotions such as seriousness, concern, worry, or sadness. The specific emotion depends on the context in which the phrase is used.