exchange looks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exchange looks" is correct and usable in written English, and can be used when two people are looking at each other in a meaningful way.
For example: The two strangers exchanged looks before walking away in opposite directions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

But a voluntary exchange looks increasingly unlikely.

The New York Times

They did not exchange looks throughout the hearing.

The Guardian

Some improvised shoving by the actors caused passersby to exchange looks, but no one intervened.

The New Yorker

The older woman meets the younger woman; they exchange looks, then dance.

The New York Times - Arts

When a writer who is not a poet invokes rhythm, copy editors often exchange looks.

The New Yorker

Black customers in a store exchange looks because a white clerk takes a tad too long to wait on them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Does this exchange look familiar?

The Guardian - Opinion

Everyone exchanged looks.

The New York Times

They exchanged looks.

The New York Times

The girls exchanged looks.

The New Yorker

His men exchanged looks and laughed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exchange looks" to describe a nonverbal interaction where eye contact conveys a specific emotion or understanding between individuals. Ensure the context clarifies the nature of the exchanged look, such as amusement, concern, or agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "exchange looks" when the intention is merely to describe people looking at each other without any implied communication. Use more neutral phrases like 'look at each other' if no specific message is conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exchange looks" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, indicating a reciprocal action where two or more people look at each other in a meaningful way. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exchange looks" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a meaningful, nonverbal communication through eye contact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. To enhance your writing, remember to use "exchange looks" when you want to emphasize the silent communication or shared understanding between individuals. Avoid using it when you simply mean people are looking at each other without any implied message. By considering these nuances, you can effectively use "exchange looks" to add depth and subtlety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share glances

Replaces 'looks' with 'glances' to denote quick, brief looks.

trade gazes

Uses 'gazes' instead of 'looks' to emphasize prolonged, intense looking.

swap glances

Similar to 'share glances' but suggests a more reciprocal action.

meet eyes

Focuses on the act of making eye contact simultaneously.

make eye contact

Emphasizes the establishment of visual connection.

give each other a look

More descriptive, highlighting the act of giving a specific look.

pass a glance

Suggests a quick, subtle exchange of looks.

exchange a glance

More formal and highlights a subtle exchange of looks.

cast glances at each other

Uses 'cast' to indicate the direction of the looks, emphasizing intent.

give each other meaningful looks

Highlights the significance or intention behind the exchange of looks.

FAQs

What does "exchange looks" mean?

"Exchange looks" means that two or more people look at each other in a way that conveys a shared understanding, emotion, or message without speaking. It implies a nonverbal communication through eye contact.

What can I say instead of "exchange looks"?

You can use alternatives like "share glances", "meet eyes", or "trade gazes" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "exchanged looks"?

Yes, "exchanged looks" is the past tense form of "exchange looks" and is grammatically correct. It is used to describe an instance where people looked at each other and communicated nonverbally in the past.

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

Here's an example: "The two spies "exchanged looks", a silent agreement passing between them before they went their separate ways."