cautious look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cautious look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that indicates carefulness or wariness in a particular situation. Example: "She gave him a cautious look, unsure of how he would react to her news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Yes, that's him there," she said with a cautious look.

The Guardian

If not, you might give them a cautious look.

The Guardian - Money

After she sneezes, a fellow elevator passenger gives her a cautious look.

The New York Times

I saw Emily a few yards away, and she gave me a cautious look and a slight shake of her head.

The New Yorker

It opens with a ringing declaration that the "unspeakable tragedy" must never be forgotten, follows with a cautious look at historic Christian attitudes toward Jews, adds a defense of Pope Pius XII and closes with a call to repentance.

The New York Times

BP declined to name the would-be buyers but there is speculation that local state-owned groups such as Rosneft and Gazprom are interested while western oil majors such as ExxonMobil can be expected to take a more cautious look.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But people are cautious, looking to invest in areas that held their value even when times were tough.

The New York Times

Even without early stopping, as a study proceeds, worrisome trends may lead to overzealous (or overly cautious) looks at study data which could jeopardize the integrity of the findings.

Contemporary Clinical Trials

Their stiff body language and their cautious looks, rarely on display anywhere else, clearly said this was a place for others, much bigger children who have entered a part of their lives that made little sense to them.

The New York Times - Sports

"Bear spray is not a substitute for common sense and being cautious – looking around, making noise, avoiding dense bushes and berry patches – but it needs to be with you, always on your belt not inside your pack, whenever you're hiking in bear country".

The Guardian

The very next year he was succeeded by Gillian Wearing, who could not be further from the gothic Gordon in her comic-disturbing observations of everyday London life - notably Dancing in Peckham, a video of the artist dancing in a London shopping centre to music only she can hear on her Walkman, her frenzy attracting cautious looks from passers-by.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cautious look" sparingly to amplify its impact; overuse can diminish its effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "cautious look" to merely suggest a lack of enthusiasm. It implies a deeper sense of potential risk or hidden concern, not simply a lukewarm response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cautious look" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding detail to a narrative or character portrayal. As Ludwig examples show, it describes the expression on someone's face indicating hesitation, wariness, or suspicion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cautious look" is a valid and expressive phrase used to portray a character's wariness, doubt, or careful observation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and indicates a neutral formality, commonly appearing in news and media contexts. While not as frequent as simpler expressions, "cautious look" effectively adds depth and nuance to descriptions. Alternatives such as "wary expression" or "guarded glance" can be used to similar effect, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wary expression

Focuses more on the facial expression itself as indicative of wariness.

guarded glance

Emphasizes the brief and defensive nature of the look.

suspicious gaze

Highlights the element of mistrust or doubt in the look.

careful observation

Shifts focus to the act of observing with caution.

circumspect view

Replaces "look" with "view", suggesting a careful and considered perspective.

distrustful look

Highlights the lack of trust conveyed by the expression.

apprehensive glance

Emphasizes the anxiety or unease behind the look.

hesitant gaze

Focuses on the pause or uncertainty reflected in the look.

reserved expression

Describes an expression that is controlled and not openly revealing.

guarded demeanor

Shifts from the 'look' to an overall attitude of caution.

FAQs

What does "cautious look" imply?

A "cautious look" suggests a wary or hesitant expression, often indicating uncertainty, suspicion, or a need for careful consideration. It implies more than just a glance; it's an observation filled with prudence.

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

You can use "cautious look" to describe someone's reaction to a situation. For example, "She gave the proposal a "cautious look", sensing something wasn't right."

What are some alternatives to "cautious look"?

You can use alternatives like "wary expression", "guarded glance", or "suspicious gaze" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cautious look" formal or informal?

"Cautious look" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.