looked away

USAGE SUMMARY

"looked away" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone turning their gaze or attention away from something. Example: The actress looked away from the flashing cameras, shielding her eyes with her hand.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Jean looked away.

The New York Times

The world looked away.

Harvard University

I never looked away.

The New York Times

Francie looked away.

The New Yorker

He looked away again.

The New Yorker

He looked away.

The New Yorker

Bauman looked away.

The New York Times - Sports

I looked away.

The New Yorker

My mother looked away, troubled.

The New Yorker

Chung looked away, saying nothing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then look away now.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looked away" to subtly indicate discomfort, embarrassment, or a desire to avoid a situation. It is more nuanced than simply stating someone was uncomfortable.

Common error

Avoid using "looked away" to describe someone physically moving away from something. It specifically refers to the direction of someone's gaze, not their physical location. For physical movement, use phrases like "walked away" or "moved aside".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looked away" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating a change in the direction of someone's gaze. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate that it often expresses discomfort, embarrassment, or a desire to avoid something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looked away" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of turning one's gaze away, often to convey discomfort or avoidance. As the Ludwig AI underlines, the expression is correct and commonly used in written English. Predominantly featured in news and media, this phrase offers a nuanced way to express a shift in attention or a desire to disengage from a situation. Alternatives like "averted gaze" or "turned aside" can be used depending on the context. It is important to use the phrase specifically to talk about the direction of someone's gaze, and not to describe physical movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoided eye contact

Specifically refers to the act of not making or breaking eye contact.

averted gaze

Focuses specifically on the action of turning the eyes away.

turned aside

Emphasizes the act of physically turning away, not just with the eyes.

glanced away

Indicates a quick, brief movement of the eyes away.

shifted focus

Highlights the change in attention rather than the visual aspect.

redirected attention

Similar to 'shifted focus' but suggests a more deliberate change in focus.

turned one's back

Suggests a complete physical turning away, often implying rejection or disapproval.

disregarded

Focuses on ignoring or paying no attention to something.

ignored

Simple and direct, meaning to intentionally pay no attention.

paid no heed

More formal way of saying 'ignored', suggesting a lack of attention or consideration.

FAQs

What does "looked away" mean?

"Looked away" means to turn your eyes in a different direction, often to avoid seeing something unpleasant, or to show discomfort or embarrassment.

How can I use "looked away" in a sentence?

You can use "looked away" in a sentence like: "He "avoided eye contact" and "looked away" when she mentioned the accident".

Which is correct, "looked away" or "look away"?

Both are correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Look away" is the infinitive form, while "looked away" is the past tense.

What are some alternatives to "looked away"?

Some alternatives to "looked away" include "averted gaze", "turned aside", or "shifted focus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.