glum look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glum look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that conveys sadness or disappointment. Example: "After hearing the bad news, she wore a glum look that reflected her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But, she said, "Lately he had a glum look".

The New York Times

But throughout this history-minded show, the band's frontman, Ari Katz, wore a glum look of obligation on his face.

The New York Times - Arts

"I live in the Bronx, so they wouldn't let me play on the championship team," said Asher Cazley, a glum look on his 11-year-old face.

The New York Times - Sports

"This seems a bit wasteful to me," said Mr. Sharif, a man with a glum look reflecting a recent decline in profits.

The New York Times

As the game wore on, he even stopped yelling instructions from the sideline, instead just standing by with a glum look and his arms crossed.

The New York Times - Sports

In marked contrast to Mr. François's glum look, the other men crowding around a raucous domino game under way in Port-au-Prince's Cité Soleil neighborhood on a recent afternoon were smiling with glee.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And how can anyone be glum looking at it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a tame crowd (10,062) for a road game and populated by hundreds of Kentucky fans who wore glum looks while watching a struggling Wildcats team that was ranked No. 3 at the start of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

In the college's office, a glum looking staff member stares down at his computer screen as Pete asks for guidance.

Vice

Some drinkers are ranged around a glum-looking bar that's angled so you don't get any dazzle of friendly bottles.

Independent

But the thermostat, this glum-looking, off-white plastic box of misery, was there when we moved in, and there it has stayed, in the hottest room of the house.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glum look" to succinctly describe a facial expression indicating sadness, disappointment, or unhappiness. It's more descriptive than simply saying someone "looked sad".

Common error

Avoid using "glum look" in situations where a more nuanced description of emotion is needed. It might sound cliché in overly dramatic or emotional scenes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glum look" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying a subject (person or entity) to indicate their emotional state through their facial expression. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glum look" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a facial expression indicating sadness or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and usable. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile for various descriptive purposes. To add color in your writing, consider alternatives such as "sad expression" or "downcast gaze", depending on the specific shade of emotion you want to convey. Avoid overuse in overly dramatic situations. With the current usage frequency, you can confidently use "glum look" to express subtle negativity in one's facial expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sad expression

Focuses on the emotional state reflected in the facial expression.

unhappy face

Emphasizes the facial appearance of unhappiness.

downcast gaze

Highlights the direction of the eyes as an indicator of sadness.

melancholy appearance

Suggests a more prolonged or inherent state of sadness.

depressed visage

Implies a stronger and more pronounced state of depression.

crestfallen expression

Indicates disappointment or dejection.

dismal countenance

Presents a bleak and somber facial appearance.

woebegone face

Suggests a face marked by sorrow or suffering.

sour face

Emphasizes a displeased or resentful expression.

long face

Implies a general sense of sadness or disappointment.

FAQs

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

You can use "glum look" to describe someone's facial expression indicating sadness or disappointment. For example: "After losing the game, the team wore a "glum look".".

What are some synonyms for "glum look"?

Alternatives to "glum look" include "sad expression", "unhappy face", or "downcast gaze", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "glum look" formal or informal?

"Glum look" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, although it is more common in descriptive writing than in highly formal communication.

What's the difference between "glum look" and "sad face"?

While both describe unhappiness, ""glum look"" implies a more subdued or passive display of sadness, whereas "sad face" can be a more general or overt expression of sadness.