fixed look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fixed look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that is unchanging or set, often indicating a specific emotion or state of mind. Example: "She had a fixed look on her face, revealing her determination to succeed despite the challenges ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Once the date is fixed, look for flight to Kathmandu, Nepal.

WikiHow

She added that such a fixed look, even allowing for softening -- a smudged eyeliner instead of a liquid one, a sheer lipstick instead of matte -- doesn't jibe with today's more casual attitudes.

The New York Times

But though in pastel he can look so nearly like his peers – Maurice Quentin de la Tour, Rosalba Carriera, Nattier, Chardin – what Liotard doesn't have is a fixed look.

The Guardian - Arts

Isn't this, however, a story about man's darkest, most intricate brutality, not something as static as the jungle predator's fixed look, symbolized by both the novel's title and its recurrent imagery of lions?

The New York Times - Books

where is the coefficient vector of the DS array and is the specific fixed look direction known in advance.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

They had a fixed look, their eyes staring.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Estimation using all available covariate information versus a fixed look-back window for dichotomous covariates.

Harvard University

After the animal had been anesthetized, its head was fixed, looking straight up, in a stereotaxic device.

Plosone

Since we had asked participants to concentrate visual attention only on the yellow ball striking their virtual body, the experiment was similar to [6] where the head was fixed looking down at the body towards the point of tactile stimulation.

Plosone

Most people who want a quick caffeine fix look for it in liquid form.

The New York Times

Perhaps the Supreme Court will realize that the situation requires fixing, looking for other ways to limit the damage.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fixed look" to describe a facial expression that is unchanging or conveys a specific, unwavering emotion or state. It's particularly effective when describing someone's reaction to surprising or impactful events.

Common error

Avoid implying that a "fixed look" is a conscious choice. It often suggests a state of shock, deep concentration, or an involuntary reaction, rather than a deliberate expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fixed look" functions primarily as a descriptive element, characterizing a particular facial expression. Ludwig examples show its use in describing reactions to surprising or intense situations, or to indicate deep concentration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fixed look" effectively describes an unchanging facial expression, often indicative of intense emotion or deep concentration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, including news, science, and general descriptive writing. While not exceptionally common, its usage is consistent, and alternatives like "staring gaze" or "intent gaze" can provide variety. When using "fixed look", remember that it describes involuntary expressions rather than deliberate actions. Understanding these nuances will ensure accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

staring gaze

Focuses on the act of staring with intensity.

blank stare

Highlights the lack of expression in the look.

intent gaze

Emphasizes the focus and purpose behind the look.

vacant expression

Focuses on the empty or absent quality of the facial expression.

steady gaze

Highlights the unwavering nature of the look.

frozen expression

Implies a rigid and unchanging facial appearance.

unwavering gaze

Similar to steady gaze, emphasizing the lack of deviation.

glassy-eyed look

Suggests a detached or unfocused quality in the eyes.

penetrating stare

Highlights the intensity and scrutiny in the gaze.

rapt attention

Focuses on the absorption and attentiveness conveyed by the look.

FAQs

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

You can use "fixed look" to describe someone's facial expression when they are in shock, deeply focused, or otherwise displaying an unwavering gaze. For example: "She had a "fixed look" on her face, revealing her determination to succeed despite the challenges ahead."

What's the difference between a "fixed look" and a "blank stare"?

While both describe a lack of variation in facial expression, a "fixed look" suggests a specific emotion or focus is maintaining the expression, while a "blank stare" implies an absence of thought or feeling.

Are there situations where using "fixed look" might be inappropriate?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. Overusing "fixed look" can make descriptions repetitive. Consider using alternative phrases like "intense gaze" or "steady gaze" for variety.

What can I say instead of "fixed look"?

You can use alternatives like "staring gaze", "intent gaze", or "vacant expression" depending on the nuance you want to convey.