childlike looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "childlike looking" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used to describe someone or something that has a youthful or innocent appearance, but it is better to use it in a more natural context. Example: "Her childlike looking features gave her an air of innocence that was captivating."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Does anyone know the whereabouts of this girl's parents?" "Because they appear to be missing in action," she writes "In short, no human being on earth would be photographing, filming or watching my childlike looking daughter dressed as a stripper with a load of cash stuck in her mouth".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Make a simple comment such as: "Got to get back to work". "Excuse me please, but I need to make a call". "Hate to miss this story, but I have a project waiting". Just slipping away unnoticed says, "I'm unimportant and childlike". Look at people when they are talking to you.

HuffPost

Her face was creased and leathery, but her mouth, agape with wonder, gave her a childlike look.

The New Yorker

But if childlike looks were advantageous — making audiences, managements and the media curious to see this wunderkind — they had their problems too.

The New York Times - Arts

So does the dreamy, childlike look on his face in "High Maintenance," as his character, Patrick, watches a favorite movie, sipping from a straw, his mother by his side; so does the way he shyly compliments the beard of his pot dealer, the Guy (Ben Sinclair).

The New Yorker

An innocent, childlike look is perfect for this act.

WikiHow

The one speaks to the deep fragility of childhood, the other to graphic cunning: Picasso's child, creepy, with one red eye, painted in childlike scrawls, looks telegraphic and second-hand.

The New York Times - Arts

Jen Banbury, a 33-year-old novelist who bought her Razor on the recommendation of a traveling Australian, said she did not mind looking childlike.

The New York Times

You see this in tenderly observed clay images of farm animals, and in the figures of two-foot-high, anatomically correct nude soldiers, looking childlike and vulnerable without their fabric uniforms, now turned to dust.

The New York Times - Arts

In his namesake collection, he celebrated free expression and childlike wonderment by looking to the nursery.

Los Angeles Times

"It's no longer about looking childlike and brittle," she writes.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's appearance, consider whether "youthful appearance" or "innocent look" might be more precise and widely understood than "childlike looking".

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the phrase "childlike looking", especially in formal writing. It can come across as awkward or imprecise. Opt for more standard and descriptive alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "childlike looking" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a resemblance to a child in appearance. Ludwig provides examples where it describes physical features or expressions. It's aim is to categorize some subject as something with features or expression resembling to a child.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "childlike looking" is an adjective phrase used to describe something or someone that resembles a child in appearance. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig's AI suggests it can sometimes sound awkward and less precise than alternatives like "youthful appearance" or "innocent look". It appears infrequently in text, primarily in news and media sources. When choosing this phrase, consider the context and whether a more standard alternative might enhance clarity and sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

youthful appearance

Focuses on the aspect of being young, similar to a child.

innocent look

Highlights the quality of innocence associated with children.

childish appearance

Implies a physical resemblance to a child, though can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

baby-faced

Emphasizes the round and soft features typical of babies.

boyish look

Suggests a resemblance to a young boy, often in terms of energy and enthusiasm.

girlish look

Suggests a resemblance to a young girl, often in terms of demeanor and style.

juvenile appearance

Highlights immaturity or a lack of development.

naïve expression

Focuses on the unsophisticated or inexperienced aspect of a child's face.

unworldly aspect

Emphasizes a lack of experience and familiarity with the world.

immature visage

Implies a lack of full development, both physically and emotionally.

FAQs

What does "childlike looking" mean?

The phrase "childlike looking" describes someone or something that resembles a child in appearance. It suggests youthful or innocent features.

What are some alternatives to "childlike looking"?

You can use alternatives like "youthful appearance", "innocent look", or "baby-faced" depending on the context.

Is "childlike looking" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "childlike looking" can sound awkward. It's often better to use more common and descriptive phrases like "youthful appearance" or "innocent look".

When is it appropriate to use "childlike looking"?

It might be suitable in informal contexts or when you specifically want to emphasize the child-like quality of someone's appearance. However, consider if a more common alternative might be clearer and more effective.