determined look

USAGE SUMMARY

"determined look" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's facial expression when they are being determined about something. For example: She had a determined look in her eyes as she prepared for her upcoming presentation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Alona had a determined look.

The New Yorker

Todd gets determined look in eyes.

The New Yorker

But he alone has the hard, determined look of someone who's able to kill.

The Guardian - Books

He was very attractive but had a mean, determined look about him.

The Guardian

Mark Jackson wore a determined look last night while running the Knicks' offense in the first game of his second go-round in New York.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's getting more sculptural by the minute," a misty-eyed Lewis Biggs sighed as he watched more and more people with spades and a grimly determined look arriving Thursday afternoon at the beach at Folkestone.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

My own discipline, history of art, demands imagination, determined looking and multidisciplinarity, and cannot be broken down into pre-digested nuggets.

The Guardian

"He was very determined looking forward to the World Cup qualifying games and also the progress we'd made with Wales.

BBC

There's a lot of footage of people riding bikes with determined looks on their faces.

Huffington Post

"Egypt Fighting Terrorism" in bold lettering in Arabic and English, and a determined looking child with the Egyptian flag painted on his cheeks completed the picture.

Huffington Post

The association of hits with ORF structures was determined looking for a potential start of translation codon upstream of the 5′-end of a hit.

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "determined look" to vividly depict a character's resolve or unwavering focus in narratives, adding depth to their portrayal.

Common error

Avoid using "determined look" to describe inherently negative or aggressive expressions. While determination can be forceful, ensure the context reflects resolve rather than malice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determined look" functions primarily as a descriptive element, specifying the nature of someone's facial expression. It suggests resolve, focus, and intent. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across various contexts to vividly portray characters or individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

21%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "determined look" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a facial expression indicating resolve and focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to portray characters or individuals with a strong sense of purpose. While synonyms exist, "determined look" provides a direct and easily understood depiction of someone's intent. Remember to use it carefully, ensuring the context reflects resolve rather than aggression, and consider more formal alternatives for specialized writing. Overall, the analysis shows the phrase to be a versatile and valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolute expression

Replaces "determined" with "resolute" offering a slightly more formal tone.

firm gaze

Substitutes "determined look" with "firm gaze", focusing on the eyes as the indicator of determination.

purposeful countenance

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a similar meaning of determination through facial expression.

resolute air

Shifts from a specific facial expression to a general atmosphere or manner suggesting resolve.

driven aspect

Emphasizes the driven nature behind the look, suggesting ambition and motivation.

focused expression

Highlights the concentration and focus conveyed in the facial expression.

intense stare

Focuses on the intensity of the gaze as an indicator of determination.

unwavering gaze

Emphasizes the steadfast and resolute nature of the look.

strong-willed mien

Uses "mien" (bearing or manner) to portray a determined attitude.

tenacious aspect

Similar to "driven aspect" but emphasizes perseverance and persistence.

FAQs

How can I describe a "determined look" in more detail?

You can add adjectives to specify the intensity or nuance, such as "a fiercely determined look" or "a quietly determined look".

What are some synonyms for "determined look"?

Alternatives include "resolute expression", "firm gaze", or "purposeful countenance" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "determined look" in formal writing?

Yes, "determined look" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider synonyms like "resolute expression" or "unwavering gaze" for a more elevated tone.

What does it mean when someone has a "determined look"?

It indicates that the person is focused, resolute, and intent on achieving a specific goal or overcoming a challenge.