look worried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look worried" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's facial expression or demeanor that indicates concern or anxiety. Example: "When she heard the news, she began to look worried, glancing around the room for reassurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Do I look worried?

The New Yorker

He didn't look worried.

The New Yorker

They look worried.

The New York Times - Travel

Some look worried.

The New York Times - Arts

Orfeo and Euridice look worried.

The New York Times - Arts

But Payne didn't look worried.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

On the surface, the facts and figures hardly look worrying.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now she looks worried.

The New York Times

Toby looks worried.

The New Yorker

She looked worried.

The New Yorker

Abdullah looked worried.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look worried" to add depth and realism to dialogue by describing non-verbal cues that accompany spoken words. This enhances the emotional impact and engagement.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "look worried" when describing anxiety. Vary your descriptions by using alternatives like "appear anxious" or "seem concerned" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look worried" primarily functions as a descriptive verb phrase, where "look" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "worried". It indicates the visible emotional state of a person or entity. Ludwig AI provides various examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "look worried" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's outward appearance when they are experiencing concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various domains, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it is advisable to use alternative phrases such as "appear anxious" or "seem concerned" for richer descriptions. Remember to use "look worried" to effectively communicate a character's visible emotional state, and consider the context to ensure it aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear anxious

Focuses on the internal state of anxiety being outwardly visible.

seem concerned

Emphasizes a general state of worry and attentiveness to a problem.

appear apprehensive

Highlights anticipation of future problems or negative outcomes.

look uneasy

Indicates a lack of comfort or peace of mind, visible in one's expression.

show concern

Highlights the manifestation of an emotion through an expression.

exhibit anxiety

Suggests that somebody is showing anxiety through their behavior.

display worry

Focuses on the outward presentation of concern or fear.

betray anxiety

Implies an involuntary or unintentional reveal of one's anxiety.

look distressed

Suggests a stronger emotional reaction involving significant suffering or pain.

look frightened

Implies a state of being scared or afraid.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who is "look worried" in a more nuanced way?

You can use phrases like "appear anxious", "seem concerned", or "look uneasy" to provide a more specific description of their emotional state. The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of worry you want to convey.

What is the difference between "look worried" and "feel worried"?

"Look worried" refers to the outward appearance or expression of worry, while "feel worried" describes the internal emotional state. Someone can "look worried" even if they don't explicitly say they "feel worried", and vice versa.

Is it appropriate to use "look worried" in formal writing?

Yes, "look worried" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing. It's a straightforward and universally understood way to describe someone's visible concern or anxiety. However, consider the tone of your writing and whether a more descriptive alternative would be more suitable.

What are some common situations where someone might "look worried"?

People might "look worried" when facing uncertainty, dealing with potential threats, receiving bad news, or anticipating negative outcomes. The specific reasons can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances.