frightened look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frightened look" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a facial expression when someone is afraid or startled. For example: "She glanced up at her mother with a frightened look on her face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

She saw the frightened look on LilLinzell's face and turned toward a four-man construction crew fixing the sidewalk.

The New York Times

He had a frightened look in his eyes; his face, which was covered with bruises, was bent down, and she remembered thinking, Here is a child who will probably never raise his head up again.

The New Yorker

"When she woke up she had this very frightened look and her eyes were darting back and forth," he says.

BBC

As a graduate student, I see an uncertain, frightened look in the faces of many new students wondering what to do and how to succeed.

Huffington Post

Immediately Hernán was beside her, opening the door of the Mercedes and Ronda, casting one last frightened look at the greenest eyes she had ever seen, slipped inside the limousine.

Huffington Post

A few basic signs, early in your conversations, will help you know when to move on: If an 18-to-21-year-old 18-to-21-year-old 18-to-21-year-old 18-to-21-year-old 18-to-21-year-oldal directions, then this is just a small experiment, and it's not likely to be healthy.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The 47-year-old, whose case was not one of the Operation Yewtree trials, was "totally frightened, looking at this big building and knowing that you've got to go in".

BBC

I will never look at the North Street clock tower again without seeing Betsy's frightened face.

The Guardian

Instead, he saw only frightened faces looking above him.

The New York Times

According to what he calls, somewhat annoyingly, the Morris Theorem, "Change is caused by lazy, greedy, frightened people looking for easier, more profitable and safer ways of doing things.

The Economist

This line from a poem I had written two decades ago jumped into my mind when the youth of Tunisia turned their ruler from a mighty dictator into a frightened rat looking for a place to hide and, in a month of civilian protests, managed to change history.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "frightened look" to convey immediate fear or apprehension. It's best used when the fear is visible and affecting their facial expression.

Common error

While "frightened look" is descriptive, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "fearful expression" or "anxious countenance" to add nuance and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frightened look" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the emotional state of a person or character. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where it describes a character's facial expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frightened look" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable phrase used to describe a facial expression displaying fear. As Ludwig confirms, it is most prevalent in News & Media, Wiki and Formal & Business contexts. While correct, writers should diversify their descriptive vocabulary by using related phrases like "fearful expression" to avoid redundancy. The phrase serves to create empathy and indicate vulnerability, with a neutral register suitable for broad application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fearful expression

Focuses on the overall expression, emphasizing the presence of fear.

terrified gaze

Emphasizes the intensity of fear in the way someone is looking.

anxious countenance

Highlights the anxiety contributing to the overall appearance.

panicked expression

Suggests a sudden and overwhelming sense of fear or anxiety.

alarmed appearance

Focuses on the visible signs of being startled or worried.

scared visage

A more formal way of describing a face showing fear.

apprehensive demeanor

Highlights the anticipation of something negative or unpleasant.

nervous aspect

Emphasizes the unease and agitation reflected in one's appearance.

startled expression

Describes a sudden reaction to something unexpected.

timid air

Focuses on the shyness and lack of confidence associated with fear.

FAQs

How can I describe a "frightened look" in more detail?

To enhance the description of a "frightened look", consider adding sensory details. Describe the eyes widening, the trembling lips, or the paleness of the skin. For instance, instead of just saying "She had a frightened look", try "Her eyes widened, reflecting the flickering candlelight, and her lips trembled as she forced a smile".

What are some common causes of a "frightened look"?

A "frightened look" can stem from various sources, including sudden loud noises, unexpected threats, or even internal anxieties. The specific cause will shape the intensity and nuances of the expression.

Is it redundant to say "she looked frightened" if I also say she had a "frightened look"?

Yes, it can be redundant. Instead of saying both, focus on showing the "frightened look" through her actions or other descriptive details to avoid repetition.

What's the difference between a "frightened look" and a "horrified look"?

A "frightened look" generally indicates fear, while a "horrified look" suggests a mix of fear, disgust, and shock. Horror is often a more intense and visceral reaction than simple fear. A horrified look usually involves something deeply disturbing or morally reprehensible.