as we looked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we looked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or observation that occurred while looking at something or someone. Example: "As we looked at the sunset, the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

As we looked around, I was having second thoughts.

The New York Times

"This looks nice," Brady said as we looked around.

The New York Times

"As we looked back, we saw our houses burning," he continued.

The New York Times

"This is all farmland now," our guide told us, as we looked out from the top.

The New Yorker

As we looked for a challenging climb, her assessments were quick and decisive.

The New Yorker

This merry joshing continued as we looked out across this remarkable place.

Independent

"Has a world-class kick serve," Uehling said, almost to himself, as we looked on.

The New Yorker

"As we looked across the summer, there was not a dull weekend".

The New York Times

As we looked on from below, Carl loped around the roof, his movements wild yet measured.

The New Yorker

"As we looked at it, it turned out to be part of the budget solution".

The New York Times

Is there anything you recognise?' "As we looked around, there was just blankness.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we looked" to describe a scene or situation from a first-person perspective, providing context for subsequent actions or thoughts.

Common error

While "as we looked" is versatile, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure with synonyms like "gazing" or "observing" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we looked" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying the main clause of a sentence. It provides context by describing the circumstances or setting during which an action occurred. Ludwig examples show that it helps to frame observations or reflections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we looked" is a versatile phrase used to provide context and describe a visual observation or scene. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, particularly in news and media. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms to avoid redundancy and ensure clarity. The phrase functions as an adverbial phrase, setting the scene or providing a frame of reference for the reader. While common and acceptable, it's important to be mindful of overuse and choose alternative phrases like "while we observed" or "as we gazed" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while we observed

Emphasizes a more formal or deliberate act of watching something.

as we gazed

Suggests a prolonged and often appreciative way of looking.

when we viewed

Focuses on the moment of seeing something, often with a specific purpose.

as we considered

Shifts the focus to mental evaluation alongside visual observation.

as we examined

Highlights a careful and detailed inspection.

while we scanned

Implies a quick, sweeping look over an area.

as we regarded

Suggests a thoughtful or respectful way of looking.

when we inspected

Implies a formal evaluation by looking at something closely.

as we perused

Suggests a casual way of reading or looking through something.

as we contemplated

Implies considering something thoughtfully while looking at it.

FAQs

How can I use "as we looked" in a sentence?

The phrase "as we looked" is often used to set a scene or describe an observation. For example, "As we looked around the room, we noticed the antique furniture".

What are some alternatives to "as we looked"?

You can use alternatives such as "while we observed", "as we gazed", or "when we viewed" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to follow "as we looked" with a preposition?

No, it's not always necessary. You can use "as we looked" to simply describe the act of looking, or you can add a preposition like "at" or "around" to specify what or where you are looking.

What's the difference between "as we looked" and "as we saw"?

"As we looked" emphasizes the act of observing something, while "as we saw" emphasizes the realization or understanding gained from what was observed. The first refers to the active search, the second to the passive reception of the sight.