apprehensive look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apprehensive look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that indicates anxiety or fear about something. Example: "She cast an apprehensive look at the dark clouds gathering overhead, fearing a storm was imminent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A few photos have been released of Seif al-Islam wearing an apprehensive look.

The New Yorker

The film seems far less a fond look back at vanishing social institutions than an apprehensive look forward to the collapse of class privilege after the war.

The New York Times

Sarandon's apprehensive look, as Davis, when she watches the dailies of herself, as Baby Jane, is one of many mirror-within-mirrors moments.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"City folks get apprehensive looking out onto the horizon and seeing the curvature of the earth," he said.

The New York Times

She was apprehensive about looking the part, and so we set out in my van.

The New York Times

Many, especially the elderly, look apprehensive.

The Economist

His face contorts into a horrible wince; I look apprehensive.

The New York Times - Magazine

But a tanned and relaxed Fincham certainly did not look apprehensive at the task ahead when he faced the press last week.

The Guardian

But Conroy says that despite uncertainty and negative news, which has made investors cautious and apprehensive, some names look ripe for buying.

Forbes

I was on my way out when I saw a young man, looking apprehensive, approach me and ask that I take a look at the document in his hand.

Huffington Post

This leaves those of us without a doctorate in Chaucer studies feeling apprehensive about anything that looks remotely like poetry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with actions or contextual details to amplify the emotional impact. For example, "She cast an "apprehensive look" at the darkened doorway, clutching her keys tightly."

Common error

Avoid repeatedly describing characters giving an "apprehensive look" during conversations. Instead, vary your descriptions and use other non-verbal cues, such as fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or changes in tone of voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apprehensive look" functions as a noun phrase that modifies an implicit or explicit subject by attributing to them a visual manifestation of worry or fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid expression in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apprehensive look" is a grammatically sound and valid expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to convey worry or fear through someone's expression. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to subtly indicate a character's internal state. While infrequent, its meaning aligns closely with phrases like "worried expression" or "anxious gaze". For optimal usage, integrate it with actions or contextual details, avoid overuse in dialogue, and verify its spelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worried expression

Focuses on the visual manifestation of worry, similar to showing apprehension.

anxious gaze

Highlights the anxiety conveyed through someone's sight or stare.

fearful glance

Emphasizes a quick look driven by fear.

uneasy expression

Suggests a general discomfort or lack of ease visible on someone's face.

nervous countenance

A more formal way to describe a face showing nervousness.

concerned look

Highlights worry and care.

distressed appearance

Indicates a state of suffering or adversity.

timid glance

Shows a shy or lacking self-assurance look.

hesitant gaze

Suggests uncertainty or unwillingness in their look.

doubtful look

Indicates disbelief or uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I describe a similar feeling to an "apprehensive look" without using the exact phrase?

Consider alternatives such as "worried expression", "anxious gaze", or "fearful glance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "apprehensive look"?

The phrase is fitting in narrative writing, character descriptions, or situations where subtle emotional cues are valuable. News reports or formal analyses of behavior also suit the use of "apprehensive look".

Is "apprehensive look" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase falls into the neutral to slightly formal register. It's suitable for most writing contexts but might be replaced by more casual terms in very informal conversations.

Are there common misspellings or grammatical errors associated with "apprehensive look"?

The most common error is misspelling "apprehensive". Double-check the spelling to maintain credibility in your writing.