curious glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curious glance" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you might use it in the sentence: She sent me a curious glance as she walked away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Not once did I receive a curious glance from a pedestrian or fellow roadway denizen.

The New York Times

There are others who dart into a darkened doorway, threatened by a curious glance.

The New York Times - Food

What chance does Monroe stand of eliciting anything but a curious glance – especially when her CG-eyes don't yet align?

The Guardian - Film

A young pilot emerges from the monorail and casts a quick and curious glance at Mr. Baldwin, who is singing again.

The New York Times

But you find — surprise — that you like this capitulation from her, this helpless compliance, from the most recent embodiment of all the girls over all the years who've given you nothing, not even a curious glance.

The New Yorker

What started as a curious glance at a storefront mural turned into "Safe Heaven" — an intimate look at women, many of them mothers, who are too often seen as faceless, interchangeable workers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Notes curious glances of diners and aplomb of owner Pierre Amestoy.

The New Yorker

To the left are the – predominantly elderly – regular worshippers, already sneaking curious glances at their guests.

Independent

There were curious glances but no Bronx cheers, in either borough.

The New York Times

Dealing with curious glances and discriminatory comments offers a different kind of challenge.

The Guardian - Sport

We always kept to the lane, casting curious glances through the trees, and we never ventured inside.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curious glance" to subtly indicate interest or mild suspicion without explicitly stating it. It's effective in narrative writing to show, not tell, a character's feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "curious glance" when a stronger, more direct expression of interest or suspicion is needed. It's a gentle observation, not an intense interrogation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curious glance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'curious' modifies the noun 'glance'. This phrase describes a specific type of look, characterized by interest or inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curious glance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a brief look characterized by interest or mild inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears most often in news and media contexts, serving to subtly convey observation or reaction. While versatile, it's best used when a gentle and understated tone is desired, avoiding overuse in situations demanding stronger expressions. Alternative phrases such as "inquisitive gaze" or "interested look" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquisitive gaze

Replaces 'glance' with 'gaze' to suggest a longer, more intent look; 'inquisitive' emphasizes the seeking of information.

interested look

Uses 'look' instead of 'glance' for a more general term; 'interested' conveys a positive and engaged curiosity.

questioning gaze

Highlights the interrogative nature of the look, suggesting an unspoken question.

puzzled expression

Shifts from the act of looking to the resulting facial expression, implying confusion or mild bewilderment.

searching gaze

Emphasizes the intent behind the look, implying a deliberate attempt to find something specific.

intrigued expression

Focuses on the observer's reaction, conveying a sense of fascination and interest.

scrutinizing look

Suggests a critical and detailed examination through looking.

speculative gaze

Implies the look is thoughtful and considering possibilities.

dubious look

Suggests a skeptical or doubtful manner of looking at something.

wary glance

Highlights a cautious and alert look, often indicating suspicion or distrust.

FAQs

How can I use "curious glance" in a sentence?

You can use "curious glance" to describe someone's reaction or observation. For example: "She cast a curious glance at the strange package." or "He received a curious glance from the stranger".

What are some alternatives to "curious glance"?

Some alternatives include "inquisitive gaze", "interested look", or "puzzled expression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "curious glance" formal or informal?

"Curious glance" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in descriptive writing than in highly technical or academic contexts.

What does a "curious glance" imply?

A "curious glance" suggests a brief but noticeable look that indicates interest, intrigue, or mild suspicion. It implies that the person is paying attention and wants to learn more, without being overtly obvious.