look of recognition

USAGE SUMMARY

"look of recognition" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to the expression on someone's face when they recognize or remember something/someone. Example: As soon as she walked into the room, a look of recognition crossed her face when she saw her childhood friend sitting at the table.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He gave Van Etten a hesitant look of recognition.

The New York Times - Magazine

In Hollywood, mentioning the Shadow can draw a look of recognition, followed by instant camaraderie.

The New Yorker

When she talked about the stick exercise, her father gave a look of recognition.

The New York Times

"Who is that again?" Ms. Couric asked, before a look of recognition flashed across her face.

The New York Times

A startled look of recognition between Flip and Taylor telegraphs the first of many a dramatic revelation to come.

The New York Times

It will be matched, later, by the look of recognition that Clare's husband will give Irene when he meets her on the street.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It is even more impressive when you receive favorable looks of recognition at every turn.

WikiHow

Later he exchanges a brief look of near recognition with the boy who cherished him.

The New York Times - Arts

Eventually he'll look my way, and I'll catch in his eyes a look of grim recognition.

The New Yorker

I smiled as I saw a look of bemused recognition cross the readers' faces as they realised that I was a meta-fictional persona of the author.

The Guardian - Books

"I've got my race bibles close at hand," he said, and removed three binders from a shelf while Jen flashed a look of weary recognition.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look of recognition" to vividly describe a character's reaction to encountering someone or something familiar, adding depth to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "look of recognition" when the context suggests another emotion, such as surprise, confusion, or fear. Ensure the expression genuinely reflects a moment of recalling or identifying something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look of recognition" primarily functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific facial expression. It indicates that someone is showing signs of remembering or identifying something or someone. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look of recognition" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes the facial expression someone makes when they recognize something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While alternatives like "gleam of recognition" or "hint of recognition" exist, "look of recognition" effectively conveys a moment of identification or recollection. When writing, ensure the context genuinely reflects recognition, avoiding confusion with other emotions like surprise. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing, enhancing narrative depth and character development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gleam of recognition

Focuses on a brief, subtle flash of understanding rather than a sustained expression.

hint of recognition

Indicates a faint or subtle indication that someone is recognizing something or someone.

moment of realization

Emphasizes the instant when someone understands something, often reflected in their expression.

flash of understanding

Highlights the suddenness and clarity of comprehension in the expression.

sign of acknowledgment

Describes an indication that someone has noticed or recognized someone or something.

expression of familiarity

Highlights the sense of knowing or having encountered something before.

air of recognition

Focuses on the overall impression or atmosphere of recognizing someone or something.

semblance of recognition

Suggests a faint or superficial appearance of recognizing someone or something.

trace of recognition

Indicates a very small or subtle amount of recognition.

wave of recognition

Implies a strong and sudden feeling of remembering someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "look of recognition" in a sentence?

You can use "look of recognition" to describe someone's facial expression when they remember or identify something, for example: "A look of recognition crossed her face when she saw the old photograph."

What are some alternatives to "look of recognition"?

You can use alternatives like "gleam of recognition", "hint of recognition", or "flash of understanding" to convey similar meanings.

What's the difference between "look of surprise" and "look of recognition"?

"Look of surprise" indicates astonishment or unexpectedness, while "look of recognition" suggests remembering or identifying something previously known. A "look of surprise" is usually associated with something new, while a "look of recognition" involves something from the past.

Is it appropriate to use "look of recognition" in formal writing?

Yes, "look of recognition" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the context and intended tone than the formality of the writing.