exchanged a look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exchanged a look" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a moment when two people look at each other silently and in understanding. For example, "The couple exchanged a look, and then both began to laugh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He and Hugo exchanged a look.

The New Yorker

Micah and I exchanged a look.

The New York Times

We exchanged a look, shared embarrassment.

The New York Times

The two men exchanged a look.

The New Yorker

Myriam Enriquez and I exchanged a look.

The New Yorker

The man exchanged a look with his partner.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

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

"Wonderful," I said, exchanging a look with Allison.

The New Yorker

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exchanged a look" to effectively portray non-verbal communication between characters, adding depth and subtext to your narrative. This is particularly useful in conveying unspoken understandings, suspicions, or shared emotions.

Common error

Avoid using "exchanged a look" when the context requires explicit verbal communication. Ensure that the unspoken sentiment is clear to the reader through surrounding actions or descriptions. Don't assume that a silent exchange conveys enough information if clarity is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exchanged a look" functions as a narrative device to convey unspoken communication or shared understanding between individuals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig showcase its role in depicting subtle interactions and shared sentiments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exchanged a look" is a versatile and commonly used expression to depict nonverbal communication. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as formal business writing, it serves to convey shared understanding, subtle emotions, or unspoken agreements between individuals. While seemingly simple, its effective use can significantly enrich storytelling and character development by adding depth and nuance to interactions. Be mindful of ensuring clarity when opting for this form of silent exchange, and choose more descriptive phrasing when nuance must be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared a glance

This alternative emphasizes the brevity of the look and a mutual understanding.

gave each other a look

This alternative highlights the action of giving a look simultaneously.

traded glances

This suggests a reciprocal exchange, similar to "exchanged a look".

locked eyes

This phrase indicates a direct and intense visual connection.

made eye contact

Focuses on the act of establishing visual connection.

had a knowing look

This implies that the look conveyed a shared secret or understanding.

communicated silently

This option shifts from visual expression to the act of exchanging information.

passed a meaningful glance

This option emphasizes the significance of the visual exchange.

acknowledged each other with a look

This suggests a mutual recognition without verbal communication.

signaled each other with their eyes

This highlights the eyes as the medium of nonverbal communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "exchanged a look" to describe a nonverbal communication between two or more people. For example, "Seeing the absurdity of the situation, they "shared a look" and burst out laughing."

What are some alternatives to "exchanged a look"?

Alternatives include "shared a glance", "gave each other a look", or "traded glances", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "exchanged a look" in formal writing?

Yes, "exchanged a look" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is a common and widely understood phrase. However, consider if a more descriptive phrase would enhance the writing, especially in contexts requiring precision.

What does "exchanged a knowing look" mean?

"Exchanged a knowing look" implies that the individuals involved share a secret or inside joke. It suggests a level of understanding beyond what is immediately apparent. A similar phrase might be "had a knowing look".