appalled look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appalled look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that conveys shock, dismay, or horror in response to something unexpected or unpleasant. Example: "When she heard the news, her appalled look spoke volumes about her disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I received the same appalled look from her that I'd gotten at the yoga studio.

The New York Times

But the appalled look on her face when asked was priceless.

The New York Times - Style

Marc had joined the ranks of his former enemies, an appalled look on his features.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

While I liked the quiet intimacy of the one-man show, others preferred the epic volume of Dinosaur Jr as the ship pulled out of Cozumel to the appalled looks from passengers on the nearby luxury liner.

The Guardian - Music

But I'd been dealing with years of appalled looks when friends referenced Atticus and I'd have to admit I'd never read the book.

Huffington Post

So it's with great disappointment and no little bafflement, that no gleaming press shots have—as of yet—emerged of the Labour man in the queue for fabric hands in pockets, jaw clenched, whispering "these are really bloody strong, actually mate" to an appalled looking aide.

Vice

At least this bill has allowed me to decode her permanently appalled expression: she looks as if she's just seen my internet history.

The Guardian - Opinion

I caught a glimpse of her appalled face as she looked at her raised and closing hand.

The Guardian

And we should be appalled to look back and see there are obvious patterns in the stories alleging sexual assault by Trump.

The Guardian - Opinion

When he proves to have a gift for cross-country running and becomes a favorite of the institution's governor, he continues his rebellion by purposely losing a race, stopping just short of the finish line as the flummoxed and appalled governor looks on.

The New York Times - Books

Behdad had forgotten he had one in his wallet and and was somewhat appalled by the look of satisfaction on the security guard's face as he took it away.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appalled look" to vividly describe a character's reaction to something morally wrong, shocking, or deeply offensive. This can be more impactful than simply stating their feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "appalled look" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing seem repetitive. Vary your descriptions of emotional reactions with synonyms and more nuanced expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appalled look" functions as a noun phrase, where "appalled" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "look". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is typically used to describe someone's facial expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appalled look" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to depict a facial reaction of shock, dismay, or moral outrage. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English writing. While not exceedingly common, its usage in news and media suggests a neutral register. For alternative expressions, "horrified expression" or "shocked expression" offer similar connotations, although the specific context might favor one over the other. When employing "appalled look", writers should aim for impactful descriptions, while also avoiding repetitive use to maintain writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Horrified expression

Replaces "appalled" with "horrified", emphasizing intense fear or shock.

Shocked expression

Uses "shocked" instead of "appalled", focusing on surprise and disbelief.

Look of horror

Focuses on the element of fear and dread.

Disgusted look

Emphasizes the feeling of revulsion rather than shock.

Dismayed expression

Highlights feelings of disappointment and discouragement.

Look of disbelief

Highlights the incredulity in the expression.

Revolted expression

Emphasizes the feeling of intense disgust and aversion.

Expression of outrage

Indicates a look conveying strong anger and indignation.

Look of consternation

Implies a look of anxiety and confusion.

Look of disapproval

Conveys a sense of objection or moral judgment.

FAQs

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

Use "appalled look" to vividly depict a character's reaction to something shocking or offensive. For example, "She gave him an "appalled look" when he made the insensitive joke."

What are some alternatives to "appalled look"?

You can use alternatives like "horrified expression", "shocked expression", or "disgusted look" depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is "appalled look" too informal for academic writing?

While "appalled look" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "expression of horror" or "look of dismay" in academic contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "appalled look" and "disgusted look"?

"Appalled look" suggests a reaction of shock and moral outrage, while "disgusted look" primarily conveys a feeling of revulsion or strong dislike.