grave looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave looking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who appears serious, solemn, or serious in demeanor. Example: "The judge entered the courtroom with a grave looking expression, signaling the seriousness of the proceedings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Hannah stood alone near the grave, looking uncomfortable, but next to her the elderly prophetess was smiling.

The New Yorker

There's no obvious path up from the road, so we climbed through the grass and found the grave looking not obscure but unvisited.

The Guardian - Books

There she is, in a wheelchair, holding baby Lorenzo Dominic, her expression composed, dignified, almost grave, looking straight ahead, as if into her mom future.

The New Yorker

Those on the dance floor stand stock-still, clutching at themselves and staring down at the floor as if they were standing at a grave looking down upon a loved one.

Vice

As the TV cuts abruptly from new relief for those plagued with Restless Leg Syndrome to a grave looking Wolf Blitzer re-playing Ms. Bhutto's oddly prophetic sound-bite, when wearing her signature bright lipstick she talks of her own fears of "death", I feel a sense of restlessness myself.

Huffington Post

You can still honor the person's memory by talking about that person with loved ones who cared about him, visiting his grave, looking over photos or prized possessions that remind you of him, or just taking contemplative walks and thinking about that person.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Party officials paid for Mr. Malunga's burial, and his brick and stucco grave looks lavish next to the unadorned earthen mounds in the family graveyard that hold his father, brother and nephew.

The New York Times

If you want to lay a rose on her grave, look for the marker that says "Madame Lamboukas dite Édith Piaf".

Los Angeles Times

"You don't want one of these graves looking like it's been discarded," he says.

The New Yorker

Messier said that Graves looked forward to a new beginning in San Jose, where in seven games he has yet to record a goal or an assist, although San Jose has signed him to a contract extension through the 2002-3 season.

The New York Times - Sports

We quickly realised that we didn't actually care about a dead freemason, but in the dappling of the summer sun the graves looked really nice.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave looking" to describe someone's appearance when they seem serious or concerned about something. It's best used when the visual aspect of their seriousness is noticeable.

Common error

Avoid using "grave looking" in casual conversations or light-hearted settings. It can sound overly dramatic or out of place when describing something trivial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave looking" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier, describing the appearance or demeanor of a person or thing. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correctly and commonly used. Examples in Ludwig show it modifying subjects like "Hannah", "Wolf Blitzer", and "commentators".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave looking" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone's serious or concerned appearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of solemnity. It's most frequently found in News & Media, denoting a neutral to slightly formal register. When using "grave looking", consider the context to avoid sounding overly dramatic in informal settings. Alternatives such as "solemn appearance" or "serious demeanor" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solemn appearance

Focuses on the visual aspect of seriousness, emphasizing the appearance rather than the action of looking.

serious demeanor

Highlights the overall behavior and attitude as being serious.

somber expression

Emphasizes the facial expression as conveying a sense of gravity or sadness.

serious gaze

Specifically refers to the act of looking with seriousness.

austere countenance

Indicates a stern or forbidding facial expression.

grim visage

Suggests a very stern and uninviting facial appearance.

severe look

Implies a strict or harsh visual expression.

dour aspect

Conveys a sullen or gloomy appearance.

unsmiling face

Directly indicates the absence of a smile, suggesting seriousness.

pensive look

Highlights a thoughtful or reflective appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "grave looking" in a sentence?

You can use "grave looking" to describe someone's appearance when they seem serious or concerned, such as, "The doctor entered the room, looking grave, and delivered the news."

What does "grave looking" mean?

"Grave looking" describes someone who appears serious, solemn, or concerned in their expression or demeanor.

What are some synonyms for "grave looking"?

You can use alternatives like "solemn appearance", "serious demeanor", or "somber expression" depending on the context.

Is "grave looking" formal or informal?

"Grave looking" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for news reports, serious discussions, and descriptive writing.