assuming a look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assuming 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: "She walked into the room, assuming a look of confidence that immediately captured everyone's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

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

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

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

"I think the Olympics are the best thing that's happened for donkey's years". The locals assumed a look of polite scepticism.

The Guardian

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 "assuming a look" when you want to describe someone deliberately adopting a specific facial expression or demeanor to convey a particular emotion or intention.

Common error

While acceptable, "assuming a look" can sometimes sound less sophisticated in formal contexts. Consider stronger verbs like 'adopting' or 'displaying' for more impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assuming a look" functions as a verb phrase, where "assuming" is a verb in its gerund or present participle form modifying the noun phrase "a look". It describes the act of adopting a particular facial expression or demeanor, often deliberately, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assuming a look" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of adopting a particular facial expression or demeanor. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While neutral in tone, it appears frequently in news and media, and science-related sources. For alternative expressions, consider "adopting an expression" or "putting on a face", depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. When writing, be mindful of overusing the phrase in more formal contexts, where stronger verbs may be more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopting an expression

Focuses on the act of actively choosing a facial expression.

taking on a countenance

More formal; emphasizes the overall appearance of the face.

affecting an air

Implies a deliberate attempt to create a certain impression.

putting on a face

Suggests a temporary or artificial display of emotion.

feigning an expression

Highlights the insincerity or falseness of the displayed emotion.

displaying a demeanor

Emphasizes the outward behavior and attitude conveyed.

presenting a facade

Suggests concealing true feelings behind a deceptive appearance.

striking a pose

Focuses on a deliberate and often theatrical adoption of a specific look.

simulating an emotion

Highlights the artificiality of the displayed emotion.

manifesting a presence

Describes a broader sense of projecting an attitude or feeling beyond just facial expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "assuming a look" to describe someone adopting a specific facial expression. For example, "He was "assuming a look" of deep thought, but I suspected he was just bored".

What are some alternatives to "assuming a look"?

Alternatives include "adopting an expression", "putting on a face", or "taking on a countenance", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "assuming a look of"?

Yes, "assuming a look of" is grammatically correct and commonly used. For example, "She was "assuming a look" of surprise when she opened the gift".

What's the difference between "assuming a look" and "having a look"?

"Assuming a look" refers to adopting a facial expression, while "having a look" means to examine or investigate something.