a pointed look

USAGE SUMMARY

"a pointed look" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a look that conveys meaning or emotion. For example, "He gave her a pointed look, silently asking her to stay quiet about his secret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Both take a pointed look at their respective candidates' opponents.

The New York Times

This pilot created by Graham Linehan and Sharon Horgan, offers a pointed look at the annoyances of middle-class motherhood.

The Guardian

"It's better than doing nothing for the summer," she added, directing a pointed look at her 16-year-old daughter, Michelle.

The New York Times - Arts

You know, in analyzing it now, you could see that Bilko was a manipulative character" — he smiled, giving me a pointed look — "who did a lot of kind of unlikable, despicable things.

The New Yorker

Created after Ms. Velez-Jackson fractured a toe and was feeling despondent, the solo is a pointed look at failure and success, using the reality television format as a funnel and topping it off with a ballad.

The New York Times - Arts

A. O. Scott reviews two documentaries, "Sketches of Frank Gehry," directed by Sydney Pollack, shown above at the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain (Page 18), and "Giuliani Time," by Kevin Keating, a pointed look at the record and reputation of the former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani (Page 10).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A related article is on Page 22. "PEOPLE LIKE US: SOCIAL CLASS IN AMERICA" A documentary that takes a pointed, witty look at how class consciousness affects American life.

The New York Times - Arts

Marsan is a tiny, clenched man, with a scrunched-up face, discolored teeth, and a pointed beard he looks like one of those lost figures in the corners of Renaissance paintings, chewing out their innards on the way to Hell.

The New Yorker

Mandeep Dhillon is a delight as young Meena as is Roxana Gilbert's production that finds a lovely balance between the politically pointed look-back-with-edginess dimension and the golden good-humour of the writing.

Independent

The double standard is pretty actively policed with pointed looks, interrupted conversations and invitations that are "lost in the mail".

Huffington Post

For just a week, be that guy who asks, "How does this student activity relate to our mission?" or "How does this food service vendor relate to our mission?" It may earn you some pointed looks, but you also might find that some discordance between the comedian, the waffle-fries and your mission.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pointed look" when you want to describe a gaze that is not only directed but also carries a specific intention, message, or emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "a pointed look" merely to describe the direction of someone's gaze. The phrase implies a specific intent or meaning being conveyed through the look, not just physical orientation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pointed look" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'gave a pointed look') or as a subject complement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a specific type of gaze.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pointed look" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a meaningful gaze. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's particularly useful when you want to express that the look carries a specific intention, message, or emotion. While the phrase is most frequently found in news and media, its neutral register allows for use in various contexts. Remember that the key is the intent behind the look, not just its direction. Related phrases include "a telling look" and "an expressive gaze", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a telling look

Implies that the look reveals something important or hidden.

a knowing glance

Suggests shared understanding or secret knowledge.

a meaningful glance

Focuses on the significance conveyed by the look, rather than its intensity or direction.

an expressive gaze

Highlights the emotional content communicated through the look.

a loaded stare

Conveys the heavy emotional weight or implication behind the look.

a significant stare

Emphasizes the importance and intent behind the prolonged look.

a deliberate gaze

Highlights the intentional and purposeful nature of the look.

a sharp glance

Highlights the quick and discerning nature of the look.

a piercing gaze

Stresses the intense and penetrating quality of the look.

an eloquent expression

Refers to the look as if it was a form of articulate, powerful, non-verbal communication.

FAQs

What does "a pointed look" mean?

The expression "a pointed look" describes a gaze that is not only directed at someone or something, but also conveys a specific meaning, message, or emotion, such as disapproval, warning, or understanding.

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

You might say, "She gave him "a pointed look" when he interrupted her story," to indicate her disapproval.

What can I say instead of "a pointed look"?

You can use alternatives like "a meaningful glance", "a telling look", or "an expressive gaze" depending on the context.

Is "a pointed look" formal or informal?

The phrase "a pointed look" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.