anxious glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxious glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look or expression that conveys worry or concern. Example: "She cast an anxious glance at the clock, fearing she would be late for her appointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The crunch of a coming truck provokes an anxious glance, but it's just a neighbor.

The New York Times

Even when not dancing with each other, side by side or with faces pressed together, they gave the impression of dancing for each other, continually checking in with an anxious glance or a touch.

The New York Times - Arts

Whenever I asked the daughter a question, her mother jumped in to answer on her behalf; when the daughter did reply, she did so with an anxious glance at her mother, as if worried that she delivered the wrong response.

The New York Times - Magazine

The way Penn goes into slow motion when Frank's girlfriend Dorothy Patricia Arquettee) leaps across the room to the ringing telephone after waiting for his call, her face alight with joy, her parents sharing an anxious glance.

The Guardian - Film

Heads tilt and turn, eyes crease, contract, open wide with fascination, grow moist with too much staring; a frown gives way to sober restraint, an anxious glance to a warm-hearted nod of acknowledgement.

The Guardian - Arts

Each of the goodbyes that I'll have – every desperate embrace I find myself in outside the court, every word I say to my loved ones, every anxious glance I share with my mum from the dock – I know that deep down they won't be the last.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The crew cast anxious glances at van Hove and Versweyveld.

The New Yorker

The buzz of low-flying military jets or police helicopters inevitably drew anxious glances from pedestrians.

The New York Times

"Plenty of bumps, many anxious glances at the fuel gauge, most of the time in thick stormy cloud".

The Guardian

ENVIRONMENTALISTS and Long Island's business community are casting anxious glances toward the empty chair of the director of the Long Island region of the Department of Environmental Conservation.

The New York Times

Not a man of many words, his eyes casting slightly anxious glances here and there, but he is very attentive to others.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anxious glance" to vividly portray a character's internal state of worry or unease in a scene, adding depth to their emotional portrayal.

Common error

Avoid using "anxious glance" when a milder term like "curious look" would be more appropriate. "Anxious" implies a significant level of worry; ensure the context warrants such intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxious glance" functions as a noun phrase, where "anxious" modifies the noun "glance". It describes a specific type of look, indicating a state of worry or unease. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for describing a concerned expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "anxious glance" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a worried or concerned look. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts to convey a character's unease. Alternatives such as "worried look" or "nervous gaze" can be used to add nuance. When using "anxious glance", ensure that the level of worry implied aligns with the situation being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worried look

Replaces 'anxious' with 'worried', focusing on the feeling rather than the action of glancing.

nervous gaze

Substitutes 'anxious' with 'nervous' and 'glance' with 'gaze', emphasizing the uneasy state and a sustained look.

concerned look

Replaces 'anxious' with 'concerned', highlighting worry about someone or something.

apprehensive gaze

Uses 'apprehensive' to describe the feeling and 'gaze' for a prolonged look, suggesting a strong sense of unease.

uneasy look

Focuses on the feeling of unease rather than a specific action.

fearful glance

Emphasizes the element of fear associated with the look.

restless look

Highlights the agitated state reflected in the look.

distressed gaze

Emphasizes the person's distress reflected in their prolonged look.

agitated look

Focuses on the agitated state rather than the specific act of glancing.

troubled look

Replaces 'anxious' with 'troubled', highlighting the source of the worry.

FAQs

How can I use "anxious glance" in a sentence?

You can use "anxious glance" to describe a look that conveys worry or concern, for example, "She cast an "anxious glance" at the clock, fearing she would be late" or "He gave an "anxious glance" towards the door, wondering if he would arrive".

What are some alternatives to "anxious glance"?

You can use alternatives like "worried look", "nervous gaze", or "concerned look", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "anxious glance" or "nervous glance"?

Both "anxious glance" and "nervous glance" are acceptable. "Anxious" suggests a general feeling of unease or worry, while "nervous" implies a more agitated or restless state. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. You may want to consider also alternatives like "worried look" or "concerned look".

What does an "anxious glance" typically indicate?

An "anxious glance" usually indicates that the person is feeling worried, uneasy, or apprehensive about something. It suggests a state of uncertainty and concern, often prompting them to look around or check on a particular situation.