looked troubled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looked troubled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who appears to be experiencing worry, distress, or concern. Example: "When she heard the news, she looked troubled, as if she were carrying a heavy burden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

He looked troubled.

The New Yorker

Teichmann, though, looked troubled.

The Guardian - Music

Even before the accounting problems, the Autonomy acquisition looked troubled.

The New York Times

The cheeky loudmouth now looked troubled, irrational, even faintly sinister.

The Guardian - Film

The view of Istanbul "looked troubled then because I myself was troubled".

The Economist

Despite the bowler-friendly pitch, the opening pair rarely looked troubled.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

He agreed that police foot-dragging over the affair looked troubling.

The Economist

BigBeard now looks troubled.

The New Yorker

He looks troubled.

Independent

Only the toddler looks troubled.

Independent

Jay McInerney looks troubled.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, use "looked troubled" to convey a sense of worry or unease that is visible in their expression or demeanor. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "looked troubled" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Vary your descriptions with more nuanced terms like "appeared apprehensive" or "seemed concerned" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looked troubled" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, indicating the appearance or outward manifestation of an internal emotional state. Ludwig examples showcase its role in depicting characters' reactions to events or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looked troubled" is a versatile and common phrase used to describe someone's outward expression of worry or unease. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally acceptable, consider diversifying your language in more formal settings with synonyms like "appeared concerned" or "seemed distressed". When using "looked troubled", focus on accurately portraying the visible signs of the subject's emotional state to enhance your writing's descriptive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeared worried

Focuses on the expression of worry rather than general distress.

seemed anxious

Emphasizes anxiety as the primary emotion displayed.

looked concerned

Highlights a general sense of concern or unease.

appeared distressed

Focuses on a state of emotional suffering.

seemed uneasy

Suggests a lack of comfort or ease.

looked bothered

Indicates a state of being annoyed or disturbed.

appeared perturbed

Highlights a state of agitation or disturbance.

seemed preoccupied

Emphasizes being absorbed in thought, often due to worry.

looked burdened

Suggests carrying a heavy emotional load.

appeared agitated

Focuses on visible restlessness or excitement, often negative.

FAQs

What does "looked troubled" mean?

"Looked troubled" suggests that someone appears to be worried, anxious, or concerned, based on their facial expression or overall demeanor.

What are some synonyms for "looked troubled"?

Alternatives include "appeared worried", "seemed anxious", or "looked concerned". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You might say, "He "looked troubled" when he heard the news" or "She "looked troubled" as she read the letter."

Is "looked troubled" formal or informal?

"Looked troubled" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "appeared distressed" or "seemed uneasy".