look of exasperation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look of exasperation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that conveys annoyance or frustration. Example: "When she heard the same question for the third time, her look of exasperation was unmistakable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The couple exchange a look of exasperation, then burst into exhausted laughter.

The Guardian

At one point, when Mr. Castello conferred with fellow defense lawyer, Mr. Vacco, Mr. Bloomberg stared into space with a look of exasperation.

The New York Times

"And the Swedes continue to build" more plants, he said, a look of exasperation on his face, "as do Austria and Germany".

The New York Times

"Does that put you in an impossible position?" A look of exasperation passed across Ivanka's face before she composed a smooth, careful response.

The New Yorker

Mara gave a mock look of exasperation when he talked about the logistics of getting his entire family to the Super Bowl — the contingent is nearing 70 people, he said — but he does not mind.

The New York Times - Sports

Direct-mail advertising and television commercials had very little impact on the Doeneckes, "only to the point where you think, 'I wish they'd cut this out,' " Mrs. Doenecke said with a look of exasperation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But in typical form, Louis-Dreyfus is wonderful to watch and her almost-constant eye rolls and looks of exasperation are a delight.

Huffington Post

"How is he doing, doctor?" He gave me a look of controlled exasperation.

The New York Times

She dropped her chin emphatically onto her hand with a look of mock exasperation.

The New York Times

When I asked him why he hadn't answered the other four, a look of profound exasperation crossed his broad face.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then I'll see their record collection and think, 'What am I doing wrong?'" He shoots a look of exaggerated exasperation.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "look of exasperation", specify what triggered that expression to provide better context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid overusing "look of exasperation" for minor inconveniences; reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant a high degree of frustration to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look of exasperation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific facial expression conveying a feeling of annoyance or frustration. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look of exasperation" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's facial expression conveying annoyance or frustration. As Ludwig confirms, this noun phrase is frequently used in news media and academic writing to add emotional depth. To enhance your writing, use "look of exasperation" to vividly illustrate a character's reaction to frustrating events, but avoid overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "expression of annoyance" or "sign of frustration" can be used for variety. Remember, the phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to communicate strong emotions with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sign of frustration

Highlights the underlying feeling of frustration.

expression of annoyance

Focuses more on the feeling of annoyance rather than the visual cue.

air of irritation

Emphasizes a general atmosphere or feeling of being irritated.

display of impatience

Indicates a visible showing of being impatient.

manifestation of discontent

A more formal way to describe an outward showing of unhappiness.

face of weariness

Focuses on the tired aspect of being exasperated.

gesture of resignation

Implies acceptance of a frustrating situation, giving up fighting it

tone of long-suffering

Highlights the patient endurance of something annoying.

countenance of displeasure

A more formal term for showing unhappiness.

semblance of vexation

Indicates a slight or outward appearance of being vexed or annoyed.

FAQs

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

Use "look of exasperation" to describe a character's reaction to a situation causing significant frustration. For instance, "After explaining the same concept multiple times, the teacher wore a "look of exasperation"".

What are some alternatives to "look of exasperation" that I can use?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use phrases like "expression of annoyance", "sign of frustration", or "air of irritation".

Is it correct to say "a look of exasperation" or should I use another article?

"A look of exasperation" is grammatically correct. The article "a" is appropriate because you are referring to a single instance of an expression.

What's the difference between "look of exasperation" and "feeling of exasperation"?

"Look of exasperation" refers to the outward expression of frustration visible on someone's face, while "feeling of exasperation" describes the internal emotion of being frustrated. One is visible, the other is a sensation.