dubious look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that indicates doubt, skepticism, or uncertainty about something. Example: "When she heard the explanation, she gave him a dubious look, clearly unconvinced by his reasoning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A dubious look was her answer.

The New York Times

Nina flashed a dubious look when she saw them.

The New York Times - Travel

I'm often met with a dubious look, as if "unreachable" were a word from a dead language.

The New York Times

When Chris told the women our plan was to continue to the next site, called Indian Bar, some 4.5 miles farther, they gave us a dubious look.

The New York Times - Travel

I lost count of the number of times characters "shot looks" at each other, though I noted that in one scene the phrase "Carrie shot him a grateful look" is followed a page later by "Carrie shot him a dubious look", with Jamie "shooting his famously shy smile at the crowd" a few pages after that.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

There is even a term for such dubious looks: "Weird but beautiful".

The New York Times

With the lady giving Mehajer dubious looks, the voiceover says: "Not everyone will like you.

The Guardian

The island, which is cut off from the mainland by the River Medway, has its fair share of caravan sites and dubious looking "fun pubs", but it's also home to one the UK's most important nature reserves.

The Guardian - Travel

It arrived fresh at my doorstep this morning via a dubious looking FedEx guy (he wasn't my regular courier, quite strange!).

TechCrunch

Tigers had another opportunity moments later when Ellis's kick was snuffed out by Menzies with Tansey closing in, and Catalans made the hosts pay after Louis Anderson took in a dubious looking pass to touch down seconds before the hooter.

BBC

Before you too plunge in to this exotic world of merchant portfolio accounts, you should know that there are a lot of dubious looking online offers to buy/sell these things and it's all a bit too rah-rah for my tastes.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "dubious look", consider also detailing what prompted the look. Providing context enhances the reader's understanding of the character's skepticism.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious look" when a stronger expression of disbelief or anger is more appropriate. "Dubious" implies uncertainty rather than outright rejection or fury.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious look" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a character or person. It provides insight into their internal state, indicating their skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used to portray a character's reaction to a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

20%

Books

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dubious look" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe an expression of skepticism or doubt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to subtly convey a character's feelings without explicitly stating them, adding nuance to writing. It's most common in news and media contexts but can be employed in various settings with a neutral register. When using the phrase, consider the intensity of the expression you want to convey and ensure it aligns with the character's emotional state. Related phrases like "skeptical expression" or "doubtful glance" offer alternative ways to communicate similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skeptical expression

Focuses on the outward manifestation of doubt through facial features.

doubtful glance

Emphasizes a brief, questioning look.

incredulous gaze

Highlights disbelief and surprise in the look.

questioning look

Indicates a look that seeks clarification or validation.

disbelieving stare

Implies a more intense and prolonged expression of disbelief.

suspicious gaze

Suggests a look that implies distrust or suspicion.

unconvinced expression

Focuses on the lack of belief conveyed.

distrustful look

Highlights the element of mistrust in the expression.

cynical expression

Implies a look that reflects a general distrust of others' motives.

wary glance

Suggests caution and a lack of complete trust.

FAQs

What does "dubious look" mean?

A "dubious look" signifies an expression of doubt, skepticism, or disbelief. It suggests that someone is not entirely convinced or trusting of something they have seen or heard.

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

You can use "dubious look" to describe someone's reaction to a statement or situation, for example: "When she heard his excuse, she gave him a "dubious look"."

What are some synonyms for "dubious look"?

Alternatives to "dubious look" include "skeptical expression", "doubtful glance", or "incredulous gaze", each conveying a slightly different nuance of disbelief.

Is it grammatically correct to say "dubious look"?

Yes, "dubious look" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe an expression of doubt or skepticism.