exchanged glances

USAGE SUMMARY

"exchanged glances" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when two people who know each other well look at each other without speaking. For example: The couple exchanged glances, communicating wordlessly about the next steps they should take.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Several panelists exchanged glances.

The New York Times

Two detectives exchanged glances.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Americans exchanged glances.

The New York Times - Magazine

Deedie and I exchanged glances.

The New York Times

Sickafoose and Mitchell exchanged glances.

The New Yorker

He and Sheikh Mushaqy exchanged glances.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Our opponents also exchange glances.

The New York Times

"That's nice," we said, exchanging glances.

The New Yorker

R.M. and I exchange glances and shake our heads.

The New York Times - Travel

They appear to be communicating telepathically, without exchanging glances.

The New York Times - Arts

As she and Raymond talk, they exchange glances; later, they touch.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exchanged glances" to subtly convey unspoken communication or shared understanding between characters in your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing "exchanged glances" when direct dialogue can more effectively convey the message or emotion. Sometimes, showing is better than telling, but not when it replaces meaningful character interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exchanged glances" functions as a descriptive element within a narrative, detailing a specific form of non-verbal communication between individuals. According to Ludwig, this is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exchanged glances" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe non-verbal communication, particularly to convey unspoken understanding or shared feelings between individuals. According to Ludwig, its frequent appearance in news and media showcases its versatility in storytelling. While alternatives like "shared a look" or "traded glances" exist, this phrase remains a succinct way to add depth to character interactions. Remember to use it judiciously in writing, allowing dialogue to carry its weight, preventing overuse and enhancing the narrative's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traded glances

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the look, similar to an exchange.

shared a look

Focuses on the single instance of sharing a look rather than an exchange.

gave each other a look

Highlights the act of giving a look to another person.

met each other's gaze

Formally describes the action of looking at someone at the same moment.

passed a meaningful look

Emphasizes the significance of the glance exchanged, adding emotional depth.

made eye contact

Focuses solely on the act of looking into each other's eyes, lacking the nuance of an exchange.

locked eyes

Suggests a prolonged and intense moment of looking at each other.

acknowledged each other with a look

Adds the element of recognition or acknowledgement through the exchange.

communicated nonverbally

Generalizes the communication method, removing the specific action of glancing.

had a silent understanding

Focuses on the result of the exchange – the understanding – rather than the act itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "exchanged glances" to describe a moment of non-verbal communication between two or more people. For instance, "They "exchanged glances", understanding each other's concern without saying a word".

What are some alternatives to saying "exchanged glances"?

Alternatives include "shared a look", "traded glances", or "gave each other a look", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it better to say "exchanged glances" or "exchanged looks"?

Both "exchanged glances" and "exchanged looks" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. "Exchanged looks" might suggest a more prolonged or intense gaze.

What does "exchanged glances" imply about the relationship between people?

"Exchanged glances" often implies a level of familiarity or shared understanding between individuals, suggesting they can communicate effectively without verbal cues.