anxious look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxious look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that indicates worry or unease. Example: "She had an anxious look on her face as she waited for the test results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Sue throws me an anxious look.

The Guardian - Travel

The child moves with eerily human gestures, and his baldish head has a wizened, hopeful yet anxious look.

The New York Times - Arts

Human beings, so agitated and anxious, look like the inhabitants of a disturbed beehive – another implication of his 1986 film The Beekeeper.

The Guardian - Film

After time has passed we will see her standing near the door with an anxious look waiting for customers that never come.

The New Yorker

You would expect Steele to defend his man, but he said that there is an inner fortitude which football overlooks in the boyish goalkeeper who wears a perennially anxious look.

Independent

DAMAGE to Sri Lanka's wondrous Sigiriya frescoes 5th-century depictions ofrescoes 5th-centuryample andepictionsare breasts—sent President Mahinda Rajapaksa clambering up tofthe rock fortress that houses them for an anxious lovely

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Cue anxious looks all round.

The Guardian - Travel

They sneak anxious looks at each other.

The New Yorker

There were no tense conversations, no anxious looks among family.

The Washington Post

They Jets are nervous and anxious, looking over their shoulders.

The New York Times - Sports

77th over: West Indies 259-9 Black skies over Lord's, and Vaughan's taking anxious looks above his head.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anxious look" to vividly depict a character's internal state of worry or unease, adding depth to your descriptions in narrative writing.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "anxious look" to describe a character's face throughout a conversation; vary your descriptions with other expressions of worry or tension to avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxious look" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the emotional state of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, it aptly describes facial expressions indicating worry or unease.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "anxious look" effectively describes a facial expression indicating worry or unease, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically sound and frequently used in news and media contexts, it's important to consider the specific nuance and tone of your writing. For example, using synonyms like "worried expression" or "nervous glance" can add variety and precision to your descriptions. While "anxious look" is generally acceptable, being mindful of context and register will help you to refine the impact of your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worried expression

Focuses on the overall facial display of worry rather than a specific 'look'.

nervous glance

Emphasizes the quick, fleeting nature of the anxious look.

apprehensive gaze

Suggests a more sustained and intense anxious observation.

concerned visage

A more formal and literary way to describe an anxious facial appearance.

uneasy countenance

Highlights the discomfort and lack of ease in the facial expression.

troubled aspect

Focuses on the overall appearance as being indicative of inner turmoil.

agitated demeanor

Shifts the focus to the overall behavior and mannerism, including the facial expression.

fearful mien

Suggests an expression marked by fear and apprehension.

restless air

Captures the sense of inner restlessness reflected in the person's appearance.

disquieted air

Emphasizes the disturbance and lack of tranquility in their expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "anxious look" to describe someone's facial expression, for example: "She gave him an "anxious look" before the surgery." or "An "anxious look" crept onto his face as he read the letter".

What's the difference between "anxious look" and a "worried look"?

While both convey concern, an "anxious look" often implies a heightened state of unease or apprehension, whereas a "worried look" might suggest a more general state of concern.

What can I say instead of "anxious look"?

You can use alternatives such as "nervous glance", "worried expression", or "apprehensive gaze" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "anxious look" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific tone of your writing. In highly formal contexts, a more precise or nuanced term might be preferable, such as "a display of unease" or "an expression of apprehension".