glum stare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glum stare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys sadness or disappointment. Example: "After hearing the bad news, she looked at him with a glum stare, unable to hide her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It wasn't an easy one, which may explain her peculiar reticence and that glum stare.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

An endless stream of teenagers passes through the judge's courtroom, all with the same glum 10-mile stare.

The New York Times

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

Vice

It is a group portrait, from around 1890, of Maharajah Bhavant Singh presiding over his cramped Jaipur household, where he and his courtiers stare out with glum suspicion, as if at a camera lens.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Diamond's women intone, stare catatonically, transfixed and glum.

The New York Times

Frowning, it stares at its own glum visage via the front-facing camera of its phone.

Vice

Why so glum?

The New York Times

They looked glum.

The New Yorker

In a word: glum.

The New York Times

Why so glum, Chum?

The New Yorker

Johnson is glum.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glum stare" to succinctly describe a facial expression that communicates sadness, disappointment, or weariness. It's effective in narrative writing to quickly convey a character's emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using "glum stare" excessively in dialogue tags. Show, don't tell. Instead of saying "He gave a glum stare", describe the character's actions or the reasons behind their sadness to create a more immersive experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glum stare" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding detail to character portrayals or scene settings. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a facial expression conveying sadness or disappointment. The phrase combines an adjective modifying a noun, creating a vivid image.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glum stare" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English that effectively describes a sad or disappointed facial expression. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase follows standard grammar rules and is suitable for various writing contexts. Its primary function is descriptive, adding emotional depth to characters and scenes. While frequently found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register and can be replaced with alternatives like "sad gaze" or "melancholy look" for nuanced expression. Remember to avoid overuse in dialogue tags and, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate, use "glum stare" when you wish to quickly and efficiently communicate sadness or disappointment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sad gaze

Replaces "glum" with "sad", focusing on the emotion conveyed through the eyes.

melancholy look

Substitutes "glum" with "melancholy", emphasizing a more reflective sadness.

sorrowful expression

Uses a broader term, "expression", to describe the overall display of sorrow.

downcast eyes

Focuses on the direction of the eyes to indicate sadness or dejection.

dejected look

Emphasizes the feeling of being let down or disheartened.

heavy-hearted gaze

Uses "heavy-hearted" to describe the emotional weight behind the look.

mournful countenance

A more formal way to describe a sad and serious facial expression.

pensive stare

Highlights a thoughtful sadness or contemplation.

despondent gaze

Conveys a sense of hopelessness or discouragement.

somber look

Implies a serious and gloomy appearance.

FAQs

What does "glum stare" mean?

"Glum stare" refers to a sad, disappointed, or pensive expression, often characterized by a fixed and listless gaze.

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

You can use "glum stare" to describe someone's expression, for example: "After receiving the news, she fixed him with a "glum stare"."

What are some synonyms for "glum stare"?

Alternatives include "sad gaze", "melancholy look", or "sorrowful expression" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "glum stare" a formal or informal expression?

"Glum stare" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it's more common in narrative or descriptive contexts.