looking back in anger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking back in anger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express feelings of resentment or frustration when reflecting on past events or experiences. Example: "In his memoir, he discusses the challenges he faced, often looking back in anger at the decisions that led him to this point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I'm tired of looking back in anger.

The New Yorker

While the Americans celebrate the 100th anniversary of their soccer federation, the Canadians are looking back in anger and ahead in anticipation.

The New York Times - Sports

Greenberg's book is rich in natural history, but when it comes to human history he is more of an environmentalist looking back in anger.

The New Yorker

In "Ah, Wilderness!" (1932) Eugene O'Neill, a playwright more accustomed to looking back in anger, put a nostalgic spin on the world he grew up in.

The New York Times

Malcolm McDowell lets rip as the older gangster looking back in anger and the chameleonic Thewlis provides another refined portrayal, but this is very much Bettany's triumph.

The Guardian - Film

The 2009 NBL champions achieved their own version of the feat, retiring unconquered but not without five years (and counting) of looking back in anger.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Looking back... at the set list, it's colossal but nobody had heard Champagne Supernova and Don't Look Back In Anger.

BBC

Don't Look Back In Anger?

The Guardian - Music

He doesn't look back in anger.

The New Yorker

Desperation: Jimmy Porter (Richard Burton and Helena Charles Claire Bloomom) in "Look Back in Anger" (1959).

The New Yorker

Don't look back in anger, we heard him say.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking back in anger" when you want to express a sense of frustration or resentment about past events, especially when emphasizing the ongoing impact of those events on the present.

Common error

Avoid using "looking back in anger" as an excuse to remain stuck in the past. While acknowledging past grievances is important, focus on learning from them and moving forward rather than dwelling on them endlessly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking back in anger" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a state of mind or an attitude toward past events. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is typically used to characterize someone's perspective, indicating resentment or frustration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking back in anger" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe reflecting on past events with resentment or frustration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it is frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. It serves to convey a negative emotional state, and its use suggests a deep-seated dissatisfaction. When using this phrase, it's important to consider its intensity and whether a milder alternative, like "reflecting with bitterness", might be more appropriate. However, be careful not to let "looking back in anger" hinder progress; instead, use it as a catalyst for learning and positive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

angrily remembering

This is a more direct and concise way of expressing the same sentiment.

reflecting on the past with resentment

This alternative highlights the act of reflecting, emphasizing the negative emotion of resentment.

remembering with bitterness

This emphasizes the emotion of bitterness associated with the act of remembering.

dwelling on past grievances

This phrase focuses on continuously thinking about past wrongs or injustices.

harboring resentment over past events

This phrase suggests a prolonged and possibly suppressed feeling of resentment.

reminiscing with displeasure

This highlights the act of remembering with a sense of dissatisfaction or unhappiness.

viewing the past with indignation

This suggests a sense of righteous anger or outrage when considering the past.

contemplating the past with frustration

This emphasizes the feeling of being annoyed or upset when thinking about past events.

brooding over past wrongs

This implies a deep and often negative contemplation of past injustices.

resentfully recalling the past

This focuses on the act of recalling memories with a feeling of resentment.

FAQs

How can I use "looking back in anger" in a sentence?

You can use "looking back in anger" to describe someone's perspective on past events, such as, "She was "looking back in anger" at the decisions that led to the company's downfall."

What's a less intense way to express a similar sentiment to "looking back in anger"?

If you want to convey a milder form of regret or disappointment, you could use phrases like "reflecting with bitterness" or "dwelling on past grievances" instead of "looking back in anger."

Is it always negative to be "looking back in anger"?

While "looking back in anger" typically implies a negative sentiment, it can sometimes be a catalyst for positive change if it motivates someone to learn from past mistakes and strive for a better future.

What's the difference between ""looking back in anger"" and simply "regretting" something?

"Looking back in anger" suggests a more intense and prolonged feeling of resentment than simply "regretting" something. Regret can be a fleeting emotion, while "looking back in anger" implies a deep-seated and ongoing frustration.