little look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little look" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or unclear.
It could be used informally to describe a brief or subtle glance, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "She gave him a little look that suggested she was not pleased with his decision."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He has a little look, assesses the wicket then explodes.

The Guardian - Sport

"We are having a little look around," he told the Derby Telegraph.

Independent

And when I said one of the names, this little look went across their faces".

The New York Times - Magazine

She had stopped whimpering, and there was even a little look of trust in her eyes.

The New Yorker

"I think the community is going to change a little, look out for itself more".

The New York Times

Bet someone in Downing Street's encouraged HMRC to have a little look,' he said darkly.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Let's have a little look-see.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(He was a little too smiley, a little look-at-me-doing-a-gigue, in Balanchine's "Mozartiana" last season).

The New Yorker

One of the earliest pieces in the Jewish Museum's exhibition, "South African Photographs: David Goldblatt," is a 1948 shot of a black stevedore in Durban doing a springy little look-at-me dance.

The New York Times - Arts

But below we have highlighted five races that may not have been given as much attention but that deserve a little look-see as we cruise toward the end of this campaign.

The New York Times

The film's 1940's-in-2002 ambience is grounded in the way Mr. and Mrs. Little look and act in their anachronistically old-fashioned Manhattan town house.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little look" in informal contexts where a quick or casual observation is intended. While acceptable, consider more precise alternatives like "quick glance" or "brief look" for improved clarity and formality in professional writing.

Common error

Avoid relying on "little look" in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for stronger, more descriptive alternatives such as "brief analysis" or "cursory examination" to maintain a professional tone and ensure precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little look" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase (e.g., "have a little look", "take a little look"). It describes the act of briefly observing or examining something. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing it in contexts where a quick assessment or glance is intended.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little look" is a noun phrase indicating a brief observation or examination, often used informally. Ludwig AI, notes it's acceptable but not particularly formal, suggesting alternatives like "quick glance" or "brief look" for more polished writing. Predominantly found in News & Media, it's best suited for casual contexts. While grammatically acceptable, consider the register and purpose of your writing when deciding whether to use "little look" or a more formal alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick glance

Focuses on the speed and brevity of the observation.

brief look

Emphasizes the short duration of the observation.

cursory glance

Highlights the superficial nature of the observation.

passing glance

Suggests a very quick and almost unintentional look.

quick peek

Implies a sneaky or secretive observation.

brief examination

More formal, suggesting a short but careful inspection.

fleeting glimpse

Highlights the momentary nature of the observation.

casual observation

Emphasizes the relaxed and informal nature of the look.

swift survey

Suggests a rapid and comprehensive overview.

short inspection

More formal, implying a limited but purposeful examination.

FAQs

What does "little look" mean?

The phrase "little look" generally means a quick or brief observation or examination. It suggests a casual and often cursory glance.

What can I say instead of "little look"?

You can use alternatives like "quick glance", "brief look", or "cursory examination" depending on the context.

Is "little look" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "little look" is not the most polished or formal phrasing. It's more common in informal speech and writing. Using more precise alternatives can improve clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "little look"?

It is most appropriate to use "little look" in informal settings, such as casual conversations or informal writing where a relaxed tone is desired. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "brief inspection" or "quick review".