explained look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explained look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys understanding or clarity about a situation or topic. Example: "When she heard the news, he gave her an explained look that reassured her everything would be fine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A police motorcycle drew up beside him and the cop explained: "Look Mac.

The New Yorker

"If you must have a reason why The New Yorker is able to make big business of frivolity," Ingersoll explained, "look to this effervescent quality in its genius, Harold Ross".

The New Yorker

The Samoa captain, Iosia Soliola, said: "I went up to question why it wasn't a try and he [the referee] explained: 'Look mate it's a try but he's pressed the wrong button'".

The Guardian - Sport

"I explained, 'Look, any son who finds that his father was a member of the Nazi Party is not something to be proud of.' " Since then, Rabbi Hier said, Mr. Schwarzenegger and his wife have become very supportive of the Wiesenthal Center and its Museum of Tolerance.

The New York Times

As one former detainee explained, "Look at me, you do not see any scars.

Huffington Post

RememberIng 'Pexplained with Its Stars and Creators.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I'll just sit there and ham it up," as she once explained, "looking in the mirror to see what works".

The New Yorker

"Call this number anytime and ask to speak with your husband," she explained, looking kindly at my mother.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wal-Mart, as Mr. Doig explained, looks beyond a location's one- or two-mile radius and assesses access from expressways, drive-time data and proximity to public transit.

The New York Times

This magnetic negative response can be explained looking at the current and field distribution at the resonance wavelengths.

Nanoscale Research Letters

ThIt article originally appeared on VICE UK.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explained look" when you want to emphasize that someone's expression reflects understanding or clarity resulting from an explanation. It's suitable when the explanation directly influences the person's facial expression.

Common error

Avoid using "explained look" to describe a general inquisitive expression. This phrase is most effective when the expression is a direct result of understanding something that was previously unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explained look" functions as a noun phrase, where "explained" acts as a past participle adjective modifying the noun "look". Ludwig examples show that it is typically used to describe a facial expression that conveys understanding or clarity, often resulting from a prior explanation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explained look" describes a facial expression that conveys understanding or clarity following an explanation. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in "News & Media" and "Science", and less so in strictly formal contexts. While not overly common, the phrase is a valid and descriptive way to portray someone's reaction to new information. If you're aiming for a more sophisticated tone, consider alternatives like "clarified appearance" or "enlightened look". As the "explained look" implies a degree of comprehension, its main function is descriptive and aims to depict an effect of explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enlightened look

Similar meaning with a slightly more intense connotation of understanding.

understanding glance

Focuses on the understanding conveyed in a quick look.

clarified appearance

Focuses on the clarity that explanation brings to one's appearance or understanding.

elucidated expression

Highlights the revealing or clarifying aspect of the expression.

comprehending stare

Indicates a deep understanding shown through a steady gaze.

illuminated gaze

Emphasizes the enlightenment or understanding reflected in the gaze.

revealed countenance

Stresses that the explanation has brought something to light on the person's face.

clarified view

Shift focus to visual experience that has become clear due to explanation.

interpreted facade

Suggests the face has been decoded or understood after an explanation.

deciphered mien

Similar to interpreted facade, indicating a deeper understanding of one's appearance.

FAQs

How can I describe a facial expression showing understanding?

You can use phrases like "understanding glance", "enlightened look", or "comprehending stare" to describe a facial expression showing understanding.

Is "explained look" the same as "knowing look"?

While both phrases suggest understanding, "explained look" implies the understanding is a direct result of an explanation, whereas "knowing look" suggests pre-existing knowledge or awareness.

What does it mean when someone gives you an "explained look"?

It usually means they understand what you've just told them and their facial expression reflects that understanding or clarification. It is usually the effect of an explanation.

Can "explained look" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "explained look" can be used in formal writing. It is grammatically correct and understandable. However, choose alternatives like "clarified appearance" or "elucidated expression" for a more sophisticated tone.