looked with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looked with" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not typically used in standard expressions and may lead to confusion without additional context. Example: "She looked with curiosity at the strange artifact."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We looked with some surprise.

The New York Times - Magazine

The elite looked with disdain on acting.

The New York Times

They looked with anger upward rather than with sympathy downward.

The New Yorker

They looked with great suspicion upon wealthy people.

The Guardian - Books

Even her delft-blue irises were dotted, if you looked, with tan specks of melanin.

The New Yorker

The Russians began to cast about for friends and looked with some distaste toward Paris.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He just turned and looked with no discernible expression on his face.

The New Yorker

Almost everyone, surely, will have looked with fascination at what the different candidates earned.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They look, with hope, to desalination.

The Economist

Pitying Saviour, Look With Blessing.

Johns Hopkins University

When online, 79%% started looking with a general search engine.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity and impact, replace "looked with" with stronger verbs that incorporate the specific emotion or manner of looking. For example, instead of "looked with surprise", use "stared in surprise" or "gaped". Consider alternatives such as "regarded with", "viewed with", or "gazed with".

Common error

Avoid using "looked with" when a more direct, active verb would make the sentence more engaging and concise. Passive constructions can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looked with" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a subject by adding detail about how they observed something. While grammatically valid, according to Ludwig AI, it often results in weaker prose compared to using a more specific verb. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use across various contexts, but also highlight opportunities for more impactful word choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "looked with" is frequently used across diverse sources, Ludwig AI suggests it is often considered weak and can be replaced with more impactful verbs. This phrase, as highlighted by Ludwig, aims to add detail about how someone observes, conveying emotion or attitude. Although grammatically acceptable, prioritizing stronger, more precise verbs enhances writing. Consider alternatives such as "regarded with", "viewed with" or "gazed with" to achieve greater clarity and stylistic impact. The phrase's presence in various contexts, from news to encyclopedias, demonstrates its versatility, yet strategic substitution elevates overall writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarded with

Emphasizes a considered judgment or evaluation during observation.

viewed with

Highlights a particular perspective or opinion influencing the observation.

stared with

Indicates a prolonged and intense gaze, often driven by surprise or interest.

gazed with

Suggests a soft, perhaps dreamy or admiring way of looking.

observed with

Focuses on a careful or scientific approach to watching.

contemplated with

Adds a layer of deep thinking and reflection while observing.

scrutinized with

Implies a detailed and critical examination.

inspected with

Highlights a formal or official examination.

glanced with

Conveys a quick, often casual, look.

peered with

Suggests difficulty in seeing, possibly due to poor light or distance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "looked with" to sound more natural?

Consider using stronger verbs that imply the manner of looking, such as "stared in awe", "glanced curiously", or "gazed admiringly". This adds vividness and precision to your writing.

Is "looked with" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "looked with" is often considered weak or stylistically poor. More direct verbs usually provide clearer and more impactful descriptions.

What's the difference between "looked with admiration" and "admired"?

"Admired" is a more concise and direct way to express the same sentiment as "looked with admiration". The single verb is generally preferred for its efficiency.

In what contexts is "looked with" most appropriate?

Although generally discouraged, "looked with" might be acceptable in descriptive writing where you want to emphasize the manner of looking, but even then, stronger verbs are often more effective.