looking angry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking angry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's facial expression or demeanor that indicates anger. Example: "She walked into the room, looking angry after the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Bernadette Norbrum, 38, stood on the opposite line, shifting from foot to foot, and looking angry.

The New York Times

"Do you think you could keep it down a little bit?" one says, suddenly looking angry.

The Guardian

Brown kept looking angry — still like "a demon," as Wilson called him — his discontent making him presumptively dangerous: scary.

The New Yorker

"Without the right coaching … [men] show up at courts looking angry and that feeds right into the bias".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An American crewman trained his turret-mounted machine gun on the crowd, looking angry and afraid, clenching his teeth.

The New York Times

I wrote complaining there was no bench at my local Tube station – and included a picture of myself looking angry, drawn by my daughter".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He looked angry.

The New Yorker

Often he looked angry.

The New Yorker

He may look angry.

The New York Times - Sports

She looks angry, remembering.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He looked angry," said Lewis.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking angry" to describe a person's immediate emotional state based on their facial expression or demeanor. It is best used when there is a clear visual cue of anger.

Common error

Avoid using "looking angry" to describe someone's permanent disposition. The phrase suggests a temporary state, not a defining characteristic. For someone with a generally angry disposition, consider alternative phrases that imply a more constant state, rather than assuming they are "looking angry" at all times.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking angry" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun (often a person) to indicate their current emotional state. It describes the appearance or expression of anger. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking angry" serves as a straightforward and effective descriptor of someone's emotional state based on their appearance. It is deemed grammatically sound and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig. While versatile, it's best suited for describing immediate reactions rather than inherent traits. When aiming for alternatives, consider options like "appearing furious" or "seeming irate" to subtly alter the intensity or formality. Remember to consider the context and audience when selecting the most fitting expression. Ludwig's examples also reveal a strong inclination towards media and general informational contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fuming with rage

Implies a simmering anger that is barely contained.

appearing furious

This alternative suggests a higher degree of anger than the original phrase.

visibly enraged

Indicates that the anger is not just seen but very evident.

glaring furiously

Focuses specifically on the act of glaring as a sign of intense anger.

seeming irate

This alternative implies a more formal or intense level of anger.

with a face like thunder

A figurative expression that denotes a very stern and angry look.

with an angry expression

This alternative is more descriptive and less direct than the original phrase.

in a temper

Refers to a temporary state of uncontrolled anger.

having a furious look

Focuses on the visual aspect of anger, emphasizing the intensity of the gaze.

displaying wrath

Suggests a powerful and often righteous anger.

FAQs

How can I use "looking angry" in a sentence?

You can use "looking angry" to describe someone's facial expression or demeanor. For example, "She stormed out of the room, "looking angry"." It's often used to indicate immediate emotional state.

What are some alternatives to "looking angry"?

Alternatives include "appearing furious", "seeming irate", or "with an angry expression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "looking angry" or "seeming angry"?

Both "looking angry" and "seeming angry" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. "Looking angry" emphasizes the visual aspect, while "seeming angry" suggests a perceived or inferred state of anger. Choose the one that best fits the context.

Can "looking angry" be used to describe objects or situations?

"Looking angry" is typically used to describe people or animate beings whose expressions can convey emotion. It would be unusual to describe an inanimate object or situation as "looking angry", unless you are using personification to attribute human emotions to it.