a shared look

USAGE SUMMARY

"a shared look" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It describes two people making eye contact and communicating without using words. It can be used any time two people are communicating with each other in a nonverbal way. For example: As I spoke, my friend and I exchanged a shared look, clearly understanding our unspoken agreement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was a shared look of astonishment.

The Guardian

Katwala argues that young people deserve an inclusive narrative and that a shared look at history is a necessary part of a shared society, with equal ownership over what it means to be British.

Vice

The OS is Microsoft's attempt at combining a shared look and feel for smartphones, tablets and desktop computers - mirroring similar approaches from key competitors Apple and Google.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Bizarrely, he'd managed to make all the leftists who followed him, and whose political views he presumably shared, look like a bunch of dickheads.

Vice

A positive difference of one SD in the shared look rate (equivalent to an additional two shared looks every five minutes; Table  2) predicted an approximately 50% increase (OR [95% CI]: 1.5 [1.0, 2.3]) in the odds of diagnosis with any oppositional-conduct disorder (Table  4).

BMC Pediatrics

Disappointing figures at least make the offer he made in February, with Silver Lake, a private-equity firm, to take the company private for $13.65 a share, look more attractive.

The Economist

Nice try, but investors were hurt, they bought at $70 and $80 a share looking for $120 a share and now they're at $38 or worse.

The New York Times

The company did report a spectacular percentage increase in earnings for the quarter -- but mainly because its profit, 18 cents a share, looked so good compared with the mere penny a share it had made a year earlier.

The New York Times

Considering the historical value of AIG stock — near $1,500.00 a share in 2007 — $50.00 a share looks like a steal, Cook said, and given the broad spring-summer rally in the U.S., "A great deal of stocks are overvalued due to this recent rally, and distressed shares [like these companies] look pretty cheap by comparison".

Forbes

We have a shared responsibility to look directly in the eye of history," he said.

HuffPost

He sees photography as a cultural object, one that springs from a shared necessity of looking.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shared look" to subtly convey unspoken communication or understanding between characters or individuals in your writing, adding depth to their interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "a shared look" excessively. Overuse can make the writing seem cliché or melodramatic. Consider varying your descriptions of nonverbal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shared look" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a nonverbal interaction where two or more people exchange glances, implying mutual understanding or unspoken communication, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shared look" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a nonverbal exchange, often implying mutual understanding or unspoken communication. Although relatively rare, as noted by Ludwig, its use spans across various contexts, especially in narrative writing within news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While the phrase is effective, it’s important to avoid overuse to prevent clichés. Consider related phrases like "a mutual glance" or "a knowing glance" for variation. When incorporating it into your writing, ensure it enhances the subtext of your scene without overshadowing explicit dialogue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mutual glance

Emphasizes the reciprocity of the look between two people.

an exchanged gaze

Highlights the act of trading looks between individuals.

a knowing glance

Focuses on the understanding conveyed in the look.

a conspiratorial wink

Suggests a secret or shared plan communicated through a look.

a silent understanding

Shifts focus to the comprehension derived from the nonverbal communication.

a wordless connection

Emphasizes the lack of verbal communication and the bond created.

a synchronized gaze

Highlights the timing and coordination of the look.

a twin expression

Focuses on both people having same emotion or feeling.

a linked gaze

Emphasizes the connection and bond that is being shared.

a communal look

Indicates the entire group having same reaction.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a shared look" in a sentence?

Use "a shared look" to subtly communicate unspoken understanding or agreement between characters. For instance, "They "shared a look", knowing exactly what needed to be done next".

What does "a shared look" imply in a narrative?

It often implies unspoken communication, mutual understanding, or a secret agreement between individuals. It can add depth and subtext to a scene.

Are there more formal alternatives to "a shared look"?

While "a shared look" is generally appropriate, more formal alternatives might include "an exchange of glances" or "a mutual understanding conveyed nonverbally".

When is it best to avoid using the phrase "a shared look"?

Avoid using it when the context requires explicit communication. Overusing the phrase can also weaken its impact; vary your descriptions of nonverbal cues.