looking nervous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking nervous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who appears anxious or uneasy in a particular situation. Example: "As she stepped onto the stage, she was looking nervous, her hands trembling slightly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another player looking nervous.

The Guardian - Sport

The bishop, looking nervous, left.

The New York Times

He was unshaven and looking nervous.

The New York Times - Magazine

A young woman, looking nervous, enters.

The Guardian - Music

Now I'm finally giving in, and he's looking nervous".

The New York Times

A waitress appeared at Mr. Joel's side, looking nervous.

The New York Times

They congregated in the kitchen, looking nervous but game.

The New Yorker

A few minutes later, Francis came out looking nervous and hailed a black cab.

The New Yorker

We saw many teams still working on final tweaks, looking nervous yet passionate.

The Economist

"Yes, sir," Jake responds, looking nervous as he fidgets with his fingers.

The Washington Post

She's standing by her blocks looking nervous, if truth be told.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider pairing "looking nervous" with specific actions or gestures. For example, "looking nervous, fidgeting with their hands" provides a more detailed and compelling image.

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone is "looking nervous" without providing context or supporting details. Show why they appear nervous by describing the situation or their reactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking nervous" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (usually a person or character) to indicate their apparent emotional state, as evidenced by Ludwig examples showing people in various anxious situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

13%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking nervous" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's outward appearance when they are feeling anxious. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and general writing. While there are several alternatives, such as "appearing anxious" or "seeming apprehensive", "looking nervous" provides a straightforward and easily understandable way to depict someone's emotional state. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearing uneasy

This uses "uneasy" as a synonym for "nervous", suggesting a general discomfort or restlessness.

appearing anxious

This alternative replaces "nervous" with "anxious", focusing on the internal state of worry.

showing unease

This alternative directly describes the display of discomfort or anxiety.

displaying anxiety

This phrase emphasizes the outward manifestation of inner worry.

seeming apprehensive

This uses a more formal term, "apprehensive", to convey a sense of unease about the future.

acting worried

This describes the behavioral manifestation of worry.

behaving anxiously

Focuses on the anxious behavior rather than the appearance of nervousness.

exhibiting nervousness

This is a slightly more formal way of saying "looking nervous", using "exhibiting" instead of "looking".

seeming on edge

This phrase indicates a state of heightened tension and alertness.

appearing jittery

This conveys a sense of physical restlessness associated with nervousness.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone is "looking nervous"?

When someone is "looking nervous", it suggests they appear anxious, uneasy, or apprehensive. Their body language, facial expressions, or overall demeanor might indicate a state of worry or fear.

What are some synonyms for "looking nervous"?

Alternatives to "looking nervous" include "appearing anxious", "seeming apprehensive", "showing unease", or "appearing jittery", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I effectively use "looking nervous" in a sentence?

Use "looking nervous" to describe a character's visible emotional state. For example, "She was looking nervous as she waited for the test results." Providing further detail on why they are nervous will enhance the sentence.

Is it grammatically correct to say someone is "looking nervously"?

While "looking nervously" is grammatically correct, it focuses on the manner of looking, rather than the state of being nervous. "Looking nervous" is often preferred when describing someone's overall appearance or emotional state.