a piercing glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a piercing glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look that is intense, penetrating, or deeply observant, often conveying strong emotions or insights. Example: "She gave him a piercing glance that made him reconsider his words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Orthodox?" he asked with a piercing glance.

The New York Times - Travel

As I watched those four lives turned upside down – their houses bombed, their children starved, and their mothers killed by the advancing Nigerian army– I began to wonder if my country was ready for such a piercing glance into its past.

The Guardian - Opinion

The tough managing editor came in and told us something about page layout and then fixed me with a piercing glance and said: "You know he's dead, don't you?" I curtly nodded (though I didn't know) and it was a motion I converted into just discreetly looking down because to my horror I could feel myself choking up.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As a young man Godwin had been very much the philosopher — austere in dress, with an angular figure, an intense manner and piercing glance.

SEP

With his Bond-villain voice, his neatly trimmed gray hair and beard, his piercing glance, the genius I.Q.

Huffington Post

"It was just an emotional field of negativity and disapproval and piercing glances that shot arrows of what certainly felt like real hatred, and I was astonished.

The New York Times

Yet when she paused to fix her gaze on people, her piercing glances revealed that this shrew was shrewd and had no use for foolishness or pretension.

The New York Times - Arts

He later said he was astonished by the "emotional field of negativity and disapproval and piercing glances that... certainly felt like real hatred".

Wikipedia

A piercing note sounded.

The New York Times

Treat a stretched piercing as a new piercing.

WikiHow

A piercing performance.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a piercing glance" when you want to convey a sense of intensity, scrutiny, or deep observation in someone's look. It is especially effective when describing moments of confrontation, suspicion, or revelation.

Common error

Avoid using "a piercing glance" in every situation where someone looks at another person. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for moments where the intensity of the look truly matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a piercing glance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of look characterized by its intensity and directness. Ludwig examples show it describing moments of intense observation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a piercing glance" is a noun phrase used to describe an intense and penetrating look. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While not an everyday phrase, it effectively conveys a sense of deep observation or scrutiny. Alternative phrases like "an intense stare" or "a penetrating gaze" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid melodrama and reserve it for moments where the intensity of the look is significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intense stare

Focuses on the unwavering intensity of the gaze.

a penetrating gaze

Highlights the look's ability to see beyond the surface.

a sharp look

Emphasizes the keenness and attentiveness of the glance.

an insightful gaze

Focuses on the perceptive quality of the look.

a searching gaze

Highlights the investigative nature of the look.

an unwavering stare

Emphasizes the steadiness and determination behind the look.

a scrutinizing look

Highlights the detailed and critical assessment conveyed by the look.

an assessing gaze

Focuses on the evaluative nature of the glance.

a knowing look

Implies shared understanding or secret knowledge conveyed by the glance.

a direct stare

Emphasizes the straightforwardness of the look.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a piercing glance" in a sentence?

Use "a piercing glance" to describe a look that is intense, penetrating, and seems to see beyond the surface. For example, "She gave him "a piercing glance", and he knew she wasn't fooled by his excuses."

What are some alternatives to "a piercing glance"?

Alternatives include "an intense stare", "a penetrating gaze", or "a sharp look". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "piercing glance" ever incorrect to use?

While grammatically correct, overuse or placement in inappropriate contexts (e.g., describing a casual greeting) can make it seem out of place. Make sure the situation warrants such an intense descriptor.

What does "a piercing glance" imply about the person giving the glance?

It suggests the person is intelligent, perceptive, suspicious, or determined. It often implies they are trying to assess or understand something deeply.