cast a look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cast a look" is a perfectly acceptable phrase that can be used in written English.
It generally refers to a look that is brief and full of meaning. Here is an example sentence: She cast a look of disapproval in his direction.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He hesitated and cast a look back into the street, almost as if he were being pursued.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

His wife, who pays the bills, casts a look from the sofa.

The New York Times - Magazine

His face torn between a glare and a grimace, he casts a look at her, tightens his mouth and looks down, an expression of frustration and dejection he'll never let her see.

The New York Times

"My husband said to me this morning, 'I'll give you any amount of money not to wear that hat,' " Elizabeth Varet said, casting a look upward at what resembled a small bowl of Chinese noodles with two chopsticks poking out.

The New York Times - Style

Clippers point guard Chris Paul casts a look toward the referees in the final seconds of a 109-105 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday at Staples Center.

Los Angeles Times

It is my hope that we will never forget this, even when it is unpopular to recognize in casting a look askance at war -- whatever war -- which others fought for our right to be who we are.

Huffington Post

Ms. Jackson has cast a lot of baleful looks in her filmed life.

The New York Times - Arts

Mita cast a mischievous look.

The Guardian - Travel

Charlton cast a nostalgic look back before their team set about trying to consolidate a bright future in this game.

The Guardian - Sport

So it seems timely to cast a backward look here at History Central to the very first such capital effort, which kicked off 50 years ago.

Princeton University

When Detective Lennie Briscoe Jerry Orbachh) retired in 2004, he packed his boxes, cast a last look around the squad room and left.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cast a look" to describe a brief, meaningful glance that conveys an emotion or intention without needing further explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "cast a look" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "observed", "examined", or "noticed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast a look" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of directing one's gaze in a specific manner. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is acceptable in written English. Its function is similar to other verbs of perception, but with an added layer of connotative meaning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cast a look" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that describes a brief, meaningful glance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is acceptable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as in academic writing, and conveys subtle emotions or intentions. While grammatically correct, its use should be considered in light of the context, avoiding overuse in highly formal or technical writing. Alternative expressions such as ""glance"" or ""shoot a glance"" may be suitable depending on the nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glance

A quick look.

give a glance

Similar to a quick look, but with more emphasis on the action of giving the look.

take a glance

Suggests a briefer look.

shoot a glance

Implies a quick, often furtive, look.

throw a look

Conveys a quick and sometimes dismissive look.

peer

Suggests a more intense or curious look, often involving effort to see clearly.

stare

A prolonged and direct look.

gaze

A steady and often thoughtful look.

observe

A more formal and detached way of looking.

scrutinize

Implies a close and critical examination.

FAQs

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

You can use "cast a look" to describe a quick glance that conveys a specific emotion or intention. For example: "She "cast a look" of disapproval.".

What's a good alternative to "cast a look"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "cast a look" include "glance", "shoot a glance", or "give a glance".

Is "cast a look" formal or informal?

"Cast a look" is generally considered neutral in formality. While acceptable in news and media, it might be less suitable for highly formal or scientific writing. Other options may be more appropriate depending on the setting.

What does it mean to "cast a look askance"?

To "cast a look askance" implies looking at something with disapproval or distrust. For example: "He "cast a look askance" at the proposal."