look of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"look of concern" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing the facial expressions of someone who is worried, anxious, or shows signs of discomfort or fear. For example: She gave him a look of concern when he described the incident.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

His permanent look of concern lead his owners to dub him the "Concerned Kitten," Andy Entwistle, one of his humans, told The Huffington Post in a message.

Huffington Post

He gave us a look of concern.

The New York Times

"How?" his friend asked with a look of concern.

The New York Times

"He had a look of concern on his face".

The New York Times

But her look of concern sent me into a panic.

The Washington Post

Then, a look of concern still on her face, she'll say, "That's interesting as heck".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Gansevoort Market became a commercial district, its looks of concern to few.

The New York Times

In the crucial moments Wednesday, she directed plaintive looks of concern at her camp as her game tightened.

The New York Times

After her Iowa visit, Clinton is scheduled to bring her looks of concern to New Hampshire, South Carolina, and other early primary states.

The New Yorker

But this time, when he did not, many of his teammates came off the bench and stood by him with pained looks of concern.

The New York Times - Sports

Martinez endured a painful trip around the bases after his homer in the fourth, firing his helmet down the dugout stairs as teammates greeted him with looks of concern, not joy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "look of concern", consider specifying what caused the concern to provide context and enhance reader understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "look of concern" when the context clearly indicates fear or terror. While concern can involve fear, it also encompasses worry, anxiety, and general unease. Use more precise language to convey the specific emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look of concern" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific facial expression reflecting worry or anxiety, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look of concern" is a common noun phrase used to describe a facial expression indicating worry or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and choose alternatives like "worried expression" or "anxious gaze" for subtle differences in meaning. Avoid mistaking concern for outright fear, and use the phrase to add depth and emotional resonance to your writing. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "look of concern" to convey a character's emotional state and enhance reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look of worry

Direct synonym, replacing "concern" with "worry".

concerned gaze

Replaces 'look' with 'gaze', implying a longer, more focused look.

worried expression

Focuses on the general state of worry conveyed.

anxious gaze

Highlights the anxious nature of the look.

uneasy expression

Focuses on the discomfort and lack of ease in the expression.

troubled countenance

Uses more formal language to describe a worried facial appearance.

fearful look

Emphasizes the fear aspect of the concern.

apprehensive expression

Highlights the anticipation of negative outcomes.

solicitous expression

Highlights a caring or attentive form of concern.

pensive look

Implies deep thought mixed with concern.

FAQs

How can I describe a more intense version of a "look of concern"?

To describe a more intense version, consider using phrases like "look of alarm", "look of dismay", or "look of anguish", depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

What are some physical cues that often accompany a "look of concern"?

Physical cues might include furrowed brows, widened eyes, a slight frown, or a pursed mouth. These cues, combined with the "look of concern", help to emphasize the character's emotional state.

Is "look of concern" formal or informal language?

The phrase "look of concern" is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and style of your writing than the phrase itself.

What's the difference between a "look of concern" and a "look of curiosity"?

A "look of concern" indicates worry or unease, while a "look of curiosity" suggests interest or inquisitiveness. The key difference lies in the underlying emotion driving the facial expression.