look guilty

USAGE SUMMARY

"look guilty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone's facial expression or demeanor that suggests they have done something wrong or are feeling guilty about something. Here is an example sentence: The suspect's eyes darted nervously around the room and his hands fidgeted, making him look guilty even though he had not yet been accused.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mr. Blandy does look guilty.

The New Yorker

"By harping on makes you look guilty.

The Guardian

And of course it's only defendants who look guilty who file suppression motions.

The New Yorker

If he refused to shake hands, he would make Terry look guilty.

The New York Times

So we paid the fine and it made us look guilty".

Independent

Sex may be stylized, but this Adam and Eve look guilty enough.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

She looks guilty.

The Guardian - Film

Biju looks guilty.

The New Yorker

Sometimes they looked guilty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now he looked guilty and guarded.

The New Yorker

Von Bergen looks queasy whilst Giroud looks guilty.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone who "look guilty", be specific about the behaviors or expressions that contribute to this impression, such as avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, or stammering.

Common error

Avoid jumping to conclusions about someone's guilt based solely on their appearance or demeanor. Remember that nervousness or discomfort can be misinterpreted as guilt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look guilty" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, where "look" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "guilty". It describes the apparent state or condition of someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase's natural usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

20%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look guilty" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone whose appearance or behavior suggests they have committed a wrong doing. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its consistent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki. While its register is generally neutral, assuming guilt solely based on appearance is a common pitfall. Alternatives such as "appear culpable" or "give the impression of guilt" offer nuances in conveying the sense of potential wrongdoing. Remember that the phrase serves to describe an impression, not to assert guilt definitively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give the impression of guilt

Highlights the impression created, not necessarily the actual guilt.

have a guilty expression

Highlights the facial expression as an indicator of guilt.

present a guilty demeanor

Focuses on the behavior and conduct suggesting guilt.

project an image of guilt

Focuses on the image or perception conveyed to others.

appear culpable

Focuses on the impression of culpability rather than just appearance.

exude guilt

Suggests a strong and obvious display of guilt.

seem incriminated

Emphasizes the aspect of being implicated in something wrong.

carry the air of guilt

Suggests an overall sense or atmosphere of guilt surrounding someone.

betray guilt

Implies an unintentional revealing of guilt through appearance or actions.

resemble the guilty

Implies a similarity in appearance or behavior to someone who is guilty.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "look guilty" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "appear culpable", "seem incriminated", or "have a guilty expression" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone "looks guilty"?

When someone "looks guilty", it means their appearance, demeanor, or behavior suggests they have done something wrong, even if there's no concrete evidence.

Is it accurate to assume someone is guilty just because they "look guilty"?

No, it's not accurate. Appearance can be deceiving, and factors like anxiety or discomfort can cause someone to "look guilty" even if they're innocent. It's essential to rely on evidence, not just impressions.

What are some subtle ways someone might "look guilty"?

Subtle signs can include avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, giving inconsistent statements, or appearing overly defensive. However, these signs are not definitive proof of guilt.