look of alarm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look of alarm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that indicates surprise, fear, or concern. Example: "When she heard the loud crash, her face instantly transformed into a look of alarm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She notices my look of alarm.

Independent

He flashed a look of alarm, and then smiled.

The New Yorker

"It's O.K.," James said, seeing the look of alarm on Freddie's face.

The New Yorker

The sheep is staring at me with a look of alarm.

The Times

Poitras is fifty years old, with brown eyes that habitually have a look of alarm, as if she were staring at something from which she wanted to escape.

The New Yorker

Only when the sentence came down, and he was led toward the cells, did a look of alarm come over his face, reporters present at the proceedings said.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Being a turkey owner at this time of year means answering a lot of questions that are preceded by looks of alarm and mild horror.

The New Yorker

Briony studied her mother's face for every trace of shifting emotion, and Emily Tallis obliged with looks of alarm, snickers of glee and, at the end, grateful smiles and wise, affirming nods.

The Guardian - Books

By Susan Orlean November 24, 2010 Being a turkey owner at this time of year means answering a lot of questions that are preceded by looks of alarm and mild horror.

The New Yorker

The counterintuitive truth is that have an abundance of… Being a turkey owner at this time of year means answering a lot of questions that are preceded by looks of alarm and mild horror.… Every corny thing that's said about living with nature — being in harmony with the earth, feeling the cycle of the seasons — happens to be true.

The New Yorker

Just shy of the ABC threshold, Daisy put on a look of horrified alarm.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the situation when choosing synonyms. For instance, "look of consternation" might suit mild surprise, while "look of terror" fits extreme fear.

Common error

Avoid using "look of alarm" when a milder expression like "surprise" or "concern" would be more accurate. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make characters seem overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look of alarm" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific facial expression, communicating a state of heightened awareness or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look of alarm" effectively communicates surprise, fear, or concern through facial expression. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts, primarily in news and media. Alternatives such as "expression of alarm" or "sign of alarm" offer subtle variations in emphasis. When using "look of alarm", consider the intensity of the situation to avoid over-dramatization. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, including both formal and informal settings. Analyzing several sources, Ludwig confirms that this is a sound and frequently used expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression of alarm

Replaces "look" with "expression", emphasizing the outward display of alarm.

sign of alarm

Substitutes "look" with "sign", focusing on the indication of alarm.

facial expression of alarm

Adds "facial expression" for clarity, specifying that the alarm is conveyed through the face.

air of alarm

Uses "air" instead of "look", suggesting a pervasive atmosphere or demeanor of alarm.

aspect of alarm

Replaces "look" with "aspect", focusing on a particular facet or appearance of alarm.

countenance of alarm

Employs "countenance" for a more formal or literary tone, referring to the facial expression.

visage of alarm

Similar to "countenance", "visage" provides a more stylized or dramatic reference to the face.

manifestation of alarm

Replaces "look" with "manifestation", indicating a clear and obvious display of alarm.

demeanor of alarm

Suggests the alarm is conveyed in the whole behavior.

semblance of alarm

Uses "semblance" to express an outer appearance of alarm that might not reflect true feeling.

FAQs

What does "look of alarm" mean?

A "look of alarm" signifies a facial expression that conveys surprise, fear, or concern. It's often used to describe someone's reaction to sudden or unexpected events.

What can I say instead of "look of alarm"?

You can use alternatives like "expression of alarm", "sign of alarm", or "facial expression of alarm" depending on the context.

Is "look of alarm" formal or informal?

The phrase "look of alarm" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone of the writing.

How can I effectively use "look of alarm" in a sentence?

To effectively use "look of alarm", describe the specific situation or event that causes the reaction. For instance, "A "look of alarm" crossed her face when she heard the news."