exchange a look

USAGE SUMMARY

"exchange a look" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the gesture of two people looking at each other with a meaningful expression. For example, "The couple exchanged a look of understanding before turning away from each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The two E.M.T.s exchange a look.

The New Yorker

Sheila and I exchange a look.

The New York Times - Magazine

The two young men exchange a look and shrug.

The New Yorker

They talk about college, and exchange a look.

The New Yorker

The couple exchange a look of exasperation, then burst into exhausted laughter.

The Guardian

In a movie, say, when a son wants to tell his father he loves him, but doesn't, and instead they exchange a look.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

We exchanged a look, shared embarrassment.

The New York Times

He and Hugo exchanged a look.

The New Yorker

Micah and I exchanged a look.

The New York Times

The two men exchanged a look.

The New Yorker

Myriam Enriquez and I exchanged a look.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exchange a look" when you want to emphasize a non-verbal communication between individuals, often implying a shared understanding, agreement, or secret.

Common error

Avoid using "exchange a look" to describe a simple observation. This phrase implies a two-way interaction and shared understanding, not just a one-way glance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exchange a look" functions as an idiomatic expression that describes a non-verbal communicative act. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that two or more individuals are sharing a meaningful expression or understanding through eye contact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exchange a look" is a common idiom that effectively portrays a non-verbal communication between individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and indicates that it signifies a meaningful connection established through eye contact. Its prevalence in diverse contexts, mainly in journalistic or narrative writing, suggests its widespread understanding and acceptance. While alternatives like "share a glance" or "trade glances" exist, "exchange a look" offers a concise and nuanced way to depict shared understanding or unspoken sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share a glance

Focuses on the quick, brief nature of the look.

trade glances

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the exchange.

give each other a look

Highlights the action of giving the look.

make eye contact

A more general term for looking into each other's eyes.

meet each other's eyes

Describes the moment of connection.

pass a look between them

Suggests a subtle, often secretive exchange.

swap meaningful looks

Highlights the significance of the look.

have a knowing look

Implies shared knowledge or understanding.

give a significant look

Emphasizes the importance of the look being exchanged.

communicate nonverbally

Broader term indicating communication without words.

FAQs

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

You can use "exchange a look" to describe a non-verbal communication between two individuals. For example, "The two detectives "exchanged a look", understanding more than words could convey".

What does it mean to "exchange a look"?

To "exchange a look" means that two people look at each other in a way that communicates something without words, such as agreement, understanding, or surprise. It implies a shared moment or sentiment.

What can I say instead of "exchange a look"?

You can use alternatives like "share a glance", "trade glances", or "give each other a look" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "exchanged a look" or "shared a look"?

Both "exchanged a look" and "shared a look" are correct. "Exchanged a look" emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the communication, while "shared a look" highlights the shared sentiment or understanding.