knowing glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "knowing glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a look with knowledge or understanding that is implied without words. For example, "He gave her a knowing glance as she left the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

To Hall, memes are another form of communication; instead of using a knowing glance to let a friend know they're not alone, you may share a meme to achieve the same thing.

Vice

The "we know you're a liar" line was met with gleeful laughter, loud applause, and a knowing glance at the man sitting to her left.

Huffington Post

The conductor and I exchange a silent, knowing glance.

The New York Times

She and a stranger exchanged a knowing glance.

The New York Times

"Maybe we could do with six hundred and fifty," Reinhardt said, giving Huston a knowing glance.

The New Yorker

"There was a knowing glance, a smile," Mr. Del Russo said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Others exchange knowing glances.

The Economist

They prowl the long cinder-block hallway, exchanging knowing glances.

The New York Times - Health

The two salesmen at the register exchanged knowing glances.

The New York Times - Magazine

A honking overhead elicited knowing glances, as if the obvious barely merited comment.

The New York Times

You speak in an understood criminal code: innocuous-sounding phrases, half-finished statements, and knowing glances.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "knowing glance" to subtly convey shared information or understanding between characters, without explicitly stating it. This can add depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "knowing glance" when a more direct expression of emotion or thought is needed. Overusing it can create ambiguity or undermine the impact of a scene. Ensure the context warrants a subtle, unspoken exchange rather than explicit dialogue or action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knowing glance" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of look. It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, as seen in Ludwig's examples, indicating the action of exchanging or giving such a look.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "knowing glance" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a look that conveys shared understanding or unspoken communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as in academic settings. While synonyms like "telling look" or "meaningful gaze" can offer slight variations in nuance, "knowing glance" remains a versatile and effective phrase for depicting subtle, unspoken connections between individuals. When writing, remember that context matters: a "knowing glance" should genuinely reflect a shared awareness, not just create unnecessary ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

telling look

Emphasizes the expressiveness of the look, suggesting it reveals information or intent.

meaningful gaze

Highlights the significance and depth of the look.

expressive look

Focuses on the look as a vehicle for conveying emotions or thoughts.

shared look of understanding

Explicitly states the element of mutual comprehension.

knowing smile

Replaces the 'glance' with a 'smile', indicating acknowledgment.

wink of acknowledgment

Uses a 'wink' to suggest a secretive or conspiratorial understanding.

tacit communication

Shifts from a visual cue to the broader concept of unspoken communication.

silent agreement

Highlights the unspoken consensus or understanding conveyed.

unspoken understanding

Focuses on the comprehension without explicit words.

shared secret

Indicates a mutual awareness of something not openly discussed.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "knowing glance" in a sentence?

Use "knowing glance" to imply a shared understanding or secret between characters. For instance, "They exchanged a "knowing glance", understanding the unspoken agreement between them."

What's a good alternative to using "knowing glance"?

Consider using alternatives like "meaningful gaze", "telling look", or "expressive look" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "knowing glance" formal or informal?

"Knowing glance" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in narrative or descriptive writing than in highly formal documents.

What does a "knowing glance" typically communicate?

A "knowing glance" usually communicates a shared understanding, secret, or unspoken agreement between two or more people. It implies that they are both aware of something that others may not be.