assumed a look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assumed a look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone adopting a particular facial expression or demeanor, often to convey a specific emotion or attitude. Example: "When she heard the news, she assumed a look of disbelief that left everyone in the room silent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He extracted a pencil from his jacket, poised it over the card, and assumed a look of intense decision-making.

The New Yorker

He took a pencil, poised it over the card and assumed a look of intense decision-making.

The New Yorker

On Thursday evening, on Fox News, Tucker Carlson had assumed a look of urgent concern while his guest, the hard-right radio host Mark Steyn (an "actual thinker," Carlson had noted in his introduction), warned against the "cultural transformation" that immigration would bring.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

His eyes would light up, or he'd assume a look of solemn resolve.

The New Yorker

"Being in the field, you need to assume a look that people feel safe so they talk to them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many and considerable are his achievements, but does he always have to look like a first-year drama student being asked to assume a look of anguished compassion?

Independent

Some in the crowd laughed, and Romney closed his eyes and ducked his head, assuming a look of either pained meditation or quiet panic.

The New York Times - Magazine

Massimo De Martini's face assumes a look of concentrated pleasure as he slips the delicate sheet of paper, 16in by 27in, from its protective plastic sleeve.

Independent

She fumbles a moment with the glasses that hang from a cord around her neck, and then her face assumes a look of bewilderment: Who is this infant banging at the door?

The New Yorker

And when Mr. Hotchner explains that he worried about how much they could lose at the start, when a $40,000 investment was required, Mr. Newman assumes a look of surprise and says: "What do you mean, 'our' money?

The New York Times

While reporting from Downing Street on the cabinet reshuffle, Boulton pauses (quite dramatically, Monkey thinks) and assumes a look you'd probably associate with him if he was reading Campbell's memoirs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assumed a look" when you want to convey a deliberate or conscious adoption of a facial expression to communicate a specific emotion or intention. It often implies a temporary or artificial demeanor.

Common error

Avoid using "assumed a look" when describing a genuinely felt emotion that manifests naturally. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the expression is consciously adopted, not a spontaneous reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assumed a look" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of intentionally adopting a particular facial expression or demeanor. It is often used to suggest a temporary or affected state, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "assumed a look" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the conscious adoption of a particular facial expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceptionally common, it finds use across various contexts, primarily in news and media. To ensure clarity and accuracy, remember that this phrase suggests a deliberate action. Ludwig's examples also highlight the importance of avoiding this phrase when describing genuine, spontaneous emotional expressions, as it is best suited for conveying intentional or affected displays.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopted an expression

Focuses on the act of actively choosing and displaying a specific expression.

wore an expression

Emphasizes the outward appearance of a particular feeling or state.

put on a face

Implies a deliberate effort to conceal true feelings or intentions.

presented an appearance

Focuses on how someone is perceived by others.

affected an air

Suggests an artificial or pretentious manner.

displayed a facade

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the outward presentation.

struck a pose

Suggests a theatrical or deliberate display, not necessarily facial.

showed an aspect

Implies a particular facet or angle of someone's personality.

feigned a countenance

Highlights the insincerity or falseness of the expression.

took on a mien

Refers to someone's general appearance or manner, often implying dignity or composure.

FAQs

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

You can use "assumed a look" to describe someone consciously adopting a facial expression, such as "He "assumed a look" of deep concentration to impress the interviewer."

What are some alternatives to "assumed a look"?

Alternatives include "adopted an expression", "put on a face", or "wore an expression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "assumed a look of sadness"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, be mindful that "assumed a look" implies a deliberate action, so it suggests the person is consciously displaying sadness, rather than genuinely feeling it.

What's the difference between "assumed a look" and "had a look"?

"Assumed a look" refers to adopting a facial expression, while "had a look" simply means to examine or inspect something. They have entirely different meanings and uses.