looked down

USAGE SUMMARY

"looked down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a physical action. For example, "He looked down at the ground in embarrassment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

She looked down.

The New Yorker

Tapia looked down.

The New Yorker

My niece looked down.

The New Yorker

My father looked down.

The New Yorker

Ive looked down happily.

The New Yorker

He looked down.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

She kept looking down.

The New Yorker

Attwood looks down.

Independent

They look down.

The New York Times

I look down.

The Economist

"Look down there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you mean a quick glance, "glanced down" might be more appropriate. For a prolonged or thoughtful gaze, "gazed down" could be a better fit.

Common error

Avoid using "looked down" when you intend to express simple observation without any implication of superiority or disdain. Choose a more neutral term like "glanced" or "viewed" if the context demands impartiality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looked down" functions primarily as a verb phrase, specifically the past tense of the phrasal verb "look down". It is used to describe the action of directing one's gaze downwards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looked down" is a versatile verb phrase primarily used to describe the physical action of directing one's gaze downwards. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usability extends beyond the literal, often carrying connotations of emotions like embarrassment or even feelings of superiority. Its register is generally neutral, finding frequent use across News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. While semantically similar phrases such as "glanced downwards" or "gazed down" exist, understanding the subtle nuances of "looked down" will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glanced downwards

Replaces "looked" with "glanced", implying a quicker, less deliberate action of looking down.

gazed down

Substitutes "looked" with "gazed", suggesting a longer, more intent look downwards.

cast eyes down

Uses a more figurative expression, replacing "looked" with "cast eyes", indicating a slightly more formal tone.

lowered eyes

Focuses on the action of lowering the eyes, implying a movement of the eyes rather than the head.

peered down

Suggests looking down with effort, perhaps due to distance or poor visibility.

stared down

Implies a direct and possibly intense look downwards.

viewed below

A more descriptive and slightly less common way of saying "looked down".

observed downwards

More formal and detached, replacing "looked" with "observed".

bent gaze down

Combines physical action and focus, describing a bending motion coupled with a downwards gaze.

directed sight down

Emphasizes the act of directing one's vision downwards.

FAQs

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

You can use "looked down" to describe the physical act of directing one's gaze downwards, as in "She "looked down" at her shoes". It can also imply a feeling of superiority, as in "He "looked down" on those less fortunate".

What are some alternatives to "looked down"?

Alternatives to "looked down" include "glanced downwards", "gazed down", or "cast eyes down", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When can "looked down" be considered negative?

"Looked down" can be negative when it implies a sense of superiority, contempt, or disdain. In these cases, it's important to be aware of the context to avoid misinterpretation.

Is there a difference between "looked down" and "looked down upon"?

"Looked down" describes the physical action of looking downwards or a feeling of superiority. "Looked down upon", on the other hand, specifically means to regard someone or something with contempt or disdain, implying a negative judgment.