look too long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look too long" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is observing something for an extended period, often implying that it is excessive or inappropriate. Example: "He began to feel uncomfortable when he noticed that she would look too long at him during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"You couldn't look too long, it was so sickening," Mr. Reimer said.

The New York Times

Don't look too long at the menu — engage the servers and eyeball the stacks of tanks flanking the entrance.

The New York Times

"I think the key is just take one game at a time, not to look too long," Lundqvist said.

The New York Times - Sports

Androgynous and overtly teasing, it makes you self-conscious to look too long at this magnetic work in the Bargello Museum, in Florence.

The Guardian - Arts

("Stricken Jade: 'Get me out of this pain'".) When she could not appear, her small boys were proxies for her.The British public, never keen to look too long at death, were not invited to go deeper.

The Economist

In the hallway, I call the restaurant and try not to look too long at the openmouthed dozing, the wheezing, the full bare male leg where a gown has fallen open.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I've seen children be scolded for looking too long, and good-looking guys cower in fear at the fact they looked at all.

Huffington Post

I don't want my dealer to say, 'hmmm... that neck looks too long'.

Independent

It is a bigger intellectual sin to give up looking too early than to continue looking too long.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He says wearily that Sicily has looked too long for a miracle, for holy protection.

The Guardian

Abstractionism, easy to look at, does not require meditation, and buyers to whom time is money do not waste it by looking too long at what they settle for.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "look too long" when implying a deeper engagement or contemplation beyond a simple glance. Example: "If you "look too long" at the painting, you might start to see hidden meanings."

Common error

Avoid using "look too long" when you simply mean 'look carefully'. "Look too long" suggests an unnecessary or inappropriate duration, not just focused observation. For example, instead of "I "looked too long" at the instructions", use "I examined the instructions carefully".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look too long" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of observing something for an extended duration. Ludwig's examples illustrate how it's often used to caution against dwelling on something visually.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look too long" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that suggests an extended or inappropriate duration of visual observation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It often carries a cautionary tone, advising against dwelling on something visually, especially when it might be unsettling or impolite. While versatile, it's crucial to differentiate its meaning from simply 'looking carefully' to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "stare excessively" or "gaze intently" can offer nuanced replacements depending on the specific context. Remember it doesn't suggest simple observation, but instead reading between the lines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stare excessively

This alternative replaces "look" with "stare" and "too long" with "excessively", emphasizing the intensity and inappropriateness of the gaze.

gaze intently

This phrase uses "gaze" instead of "look" and "intently" to convey a focused and prolonged look.

stare fixedly

Using "stare" and "fixedly", this alternative implies a prolonged and unwavering gaze.

observe at length

This option replaces "look" with "observe" and "too long" with "at length", suggesting a detailed and extended observation.

contemplate excessively

This phrase replaces "look" with "contemplate", shifting the focus to mental consideration over a prolonged period.

scrutinize for a while

This alternative uses "scrutinize" to suggest a critical and detailed look, specifying a duration with "for a while".

dwell on for a while

This phrase shifts the focus to mentally dwelling on something observed for a period.

linger visually

This alternative replaces "look" with "linger visually", conveying a prolonged visual presence.

fixate one's gaze

This phrase implies an intense and unwavering focus of the gaze.

overanalyze visually

This suggests that visual data is excessively or unnecessarily analyzed.

FAQs

How can I use "look too long" in a sentence?

You can use "look too long" to describe a situation where someone is observing something for an extended period, often implying that it's excessive or inappropriate. For example, "Don't "look too long" at the sun; it can damage your eyes."

What does it mean to "look too long" at something?

To "look too long" at something suggests spending an extended amount of time observing it, often implying that this prolonged observation is unnecessary, unsettling, or inappropriate. It can also mean to start reading between the lines and finding a secondary purpose/meaning.

What can I say instead of "look too long"?

You can use alternatives like "stare excessively", "gaze intently", or "observe at length" depending on the context.

Is it ever appropriate to "look too long" at something?

Whether it's appropriate to "look too long" depends heavily on context. In art appreciation or scientific study, prolonged observation may be valuable. However, in social situations, it can be perceived as rude or intrusive. Therefore, avoid to "stare excessively" at others.