a harsh look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a harsh look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys disapproval, anger, or severity. Example: "When she heard the news, she shot him a harsh look that made him instantly regret his words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Nine years ago, on 9/11, none of us in New York City had a harsh look or word for one another.

The New York Times

Gregg Easterbrook, writing for ESPN, assesses his legacy, casting a harsh look back at his problems with the law but noting his transformation: Lewis, by appearances, is redeemed.

The New York Times

Federal regulators are actively investigating several companies' attempts to keep generic drugs off the market and are taking a harsh look at some marketing practices.

The New York Times

Similarly, the album closer, "Up the Road," is a harsh look in the mirror: "Lately I can tell you're getting pretty sick of me/To tell you the truth/I've had about enough of me, too".

The New York Times - Arts

"The Mess at AOL Time Warner" was the title of a harsh look at its parent company that appeared in a recent issue of Fortune magazine.The third constraint has to do with the nature of creativity and size.

The Economist

There is the classmate who is studying the death of President William McKinley and taking a harsh look at his administration, which prompts Danny to worry about his own parents' reaction to such talk.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

They basically comprise a pew with a frame and a harsh looking kneeling rail.

The Guardian - Travel

Another film at the festival, "Revolution Reykjavik," directed by Isold Uggadottir, takes a harsher look at the crisis's private toll.

The New York Times

Now, Javier Moreno Barber, the editor of El País, contends that the newspaper is taking a harsher look at the Zapatero administration in the face of the country's greatest economic crisis since its civil war in the 1930s.

The New York Times

Taking a harsher look, a Wall Streeter might put the enterprise value at ten times the operating income in the good year.

Forbes

Sometimes these new ideas appear to be dazzling, but a harsher look exposes their flaws.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a harsh look" to effectively convey a character's disapproval, anger, or judgment in writing. This phrase is particularly useful in descriptive narratives where showing emotion through non-verbal cues is important.

Common error

Avoid using "a harsh look" excessively in dialogue tags. Instead of writing "he said with a harsh look", focus on showing the character's emotions through their words and actions. Over-reliance on this phrase can make the writing feel repetitive and less engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a harsh look" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "gave a harsh look", "received a harsh look"). According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in English, and used to describe a facial expression conveying disapproval, anger, or severity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a harsh look" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a facial expression that communicates disapproval, anger, or severity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and offers alternatives such as "a stern gaze" or "a severe expression". Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to convey negative emotions nonverbally and maintains a generally neutral register. While effective, avoid overuse in dialogue and instead focus on showcasing emotions through actions and words. Understanding these nuances can help writers employ "a harsh look" effectively to enhance descriptive narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stern gaze

Emphasizes the intensity and unwavering nature of the look, focusing on the eyes.

a hard stare

Emphasizes the intensity and unwavering nature of the look, focusing on the eyes.

a severe expression

Highlights the seriousness and disapproval conveyed by the facial expression.

a disapproving glance

Focuses specifically on the act of disapproval being communicated through the look.

a cold stare

Emphasizes the lack of warmth and emotion in the look, suggesting detachment.

a withering look

Implies the look is powerful enough to diminish or humiliate the recipient.

an icy glare

Similar to a cold stare, but with a more intense and potentially hostile connotation.

a piercing gaze

Highlights the intensity and focus of the look, suggesting an attempt to see through the recipient.

a judgmental stare

Clearly indicates that the look conveys a negative evaluation or judgment.

a grim countenance

Describes the overall appearance as stern and uninviting, encompassing more than just the eyes.

FAQs

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

You can use "a harsh look" to describe someone's facial expression that conveys disapproval, anger, or severity. For example, "She gave him "a harsh look" when he interrupted her."

What are some synonyms for "a harsh look"?

Some alternatives to "a harsh look" include "a stern gaze", "a severe expression", or "a disapproving glance".

Is it appropriate to use "a harsh look" in formal writing?

Yes, "a harsh look" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, as it is a common and easily understood phrase. However, consider the tone and audience when choosing this phrase, as it can convey a strong negative emotion.

What's the difference between "a harsh look" and "a hard look"?

While both phrases describe someone's gaze, "a harsh look" typically implies disapproval or anger, while "a hard look" might simply indicate scrutiny or intense focus. The context will determine the most appropriate choice.