look at one another

USAGE SUMMARY

"look at one another" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe the action of two or more people turning their heads and directing their gaze towards each other. It can be used in different contexts, such as a romantic setting or a more serious or tense situation. Here are some examples: - In the crowded room, Sarah and John couldn't help but look at one another, their eyes meeting across the dance floor. - The siblings exchanged a knowing look at one another, silently communicating without saying a word. - The students were so confused by the teacher's instructions that they just looked at one another, hoping someone would take the lead. - The tension in the air was palpable as the two leaders of the rival gangs looked at one another, ready for a showdown. - After years of marriage, the couple could still look at one another with the same love and admiration as on their wedding day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Americans don't really look at one another when talking.

Huffington Post

The students look at one another, not speaking at first.

The New Yorker

P.R.: People don't really look at one another.

The New York Times - Magazine

He instructed the dancers not to look at one another.

The New York Times

They don't breathe, or laugh, or look at one another.

The New York Times - Arts

The actors rarely look at one another, and when they do it seems unnatural.

The New York Times

So what do you do?" The children look at one another.

The New York Times

I think we both look at one another as opportunities to get better".

The New York Times - Sports

The performers never appeared to look at one another, and they never touched.

The New Yorker

They only have to look at one another as they take the ice.

The New York Times - Sports

And their response was to look at one another and just burst out laughing.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look at one another" to emphasize mutual recognition, shared understanding, or a moment of interpersonal connection within a group.

Common error

While natural in many contexts, overusing "look at one another" in dialogue can make characters seem static. Vary it with action beats and internal thoughts to create a more dynamic scene.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look at one another" functions primarily as a reciprocal action, indicating that two or more individuals are performing the action of looking, and that this action is directed towards each other. This is supported by Ludwig which indicates that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "look at one another" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes a reciprocal action of gazing between two or more individuals. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's versatile and applicable in various contexts, mainly in news and media. While synonyms like "gaze at each other" or "observe each other" offer nuanced alternatives, "look at one another" effectively conveys a shared moment of recognition or understanding. Use it to emphasize interpersonal connection, but avoid overuse to maintain dynamic dialogue. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources highlight its reliability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meet each other's eyes

Focuses on the moment of establishing eye contact, implying a connection or acknowledgment.

gaze at each other

Emphasizes a prolonged and often intense look, suggesting deeper contemplation or emotion.

exchange glances

Highlights a mutual, often brief, look that communicates something without words.

observe each other

Focuses on watching and noticing details, often in a more detached or analytical way.

regard one another

Implies a level of respect or consideration in how people look at each other, suggesting thoughtfulness.

peer at each other

Suggests looking closely or with difficulty, often due to poor visibility or suspicion.

stare at each other

Highlights a fixed and intense gaze, which can be unnerving or indicative of strong emotion.

glance at each other

Denotes a quick, fleeting look, often done discreetly or casually.

eye each other

Emphasizes the act of looking with a particular interest or intention, sometimes suggestive of suspicion or attraction.

face one another

Indicates positioning yourselves to be able to look at each other, emphasizing confrontation or direct interaction.

FAQs

How can I use "look at one another" in a sentence?

You can use "look at one another" to describe a moment of shared understanding or reaction between two or more people. For example, "They "look at one another", a silent acknowledgment passing between them."

What's a more formal way to say "look at one another"?

While "look at one another" is generally acceptable, you might consider phrases like "regard one another" or "observe each other" in more formal contexts, as they imply a deeper level of consideration.

Which is correct, "look at each other" or "look at one another"?

Both "look at each other" and ""look at one another"" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Each other" is typically used when referring to two people, while "one another" is used for three or more, though this distinction is often blurred in modern usage.

What does it mean when people "look at one another" without speaking?

When people ""look at one another"" without speaking, it often indicates a shared understanding, surprise, or concern that doesn't need to be voiced. The context of the situation usually dictates the specific emotion or message being conveyed.