looking radiant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking radiant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who appears very attractive, healthy, or glowing, often in the context of special occasions or moments. Example: "On her wedding day, she was looking radiant in her beautiful gown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

What if she turns into her mother?" Lynn started looking radiant.

The New Yorker

Inci comes out of the dressing room looking radiant in a sundress.

The New Yorker

"I'd love to do a tour with people wearing Warhol wigs and glasses," Mr. Kiedrowski promptly replied, looking radiant.

The New York Times

"I think he thought I was crazy," Mary Jacqueline Bissett, looking radiant and constantly proud) tells Jesus.

The New York Times

Sze opened the door to her apartment one Saturday night, looking radiant, without makeup, in dark jeans and a black shirt.

The New Yorker

Ethel Kennedy, Robert Kennedy's 84-year-old widow and the family's matriarch, was also there, looking radiant and proud, in freshwater-pearl earrings and a white anorak.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

They did not look radiant.

The New Yorker

You look radiant.

The New Yorker

She looks radiant, relaxed and confident.

The New York Times

Ingrid Bergman always looked radiant in a habit.

The New York Times

Suddenly I didn't look radiant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking radiant" to describe someone who appears healthy, happy, and attractive, especially on special occasions or when they are in good health. It is particularly effective when describing a bride on her wedding day or someone who has recovered from an illness.

Common error

Avoid using "looking radiant" in overly formal or technical writing. While appropriate for descriptions in news articles or general prose, it may sound out of place in academic papers or business reports. Consider more neutral terms like "healthy appearance" or "vibrant complexion" for professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking radiant" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's appearance. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where it's often used to describe a person's state or appearance in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking radiant" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to convey that someone appears healthy, happy, and attractive. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, primarily in news and media contexts. While versatile, it is best used in neutral to slightly informal settings, avoiding overuse in highly formal or technical writing. The alternative phrases like "appearing luminous" or "glowing with health" can provide nuanced variations to suit different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearing luminous

Focuses on the brightness and glow of someone's appearance.

glowing with health

Emphasizes the health aspect contributing to a radiant appearance.

appearing vibrant

Highlights the energy and liveliness in someone's appearance.

looking stunning

Emphasizes a striking and impressive appearance.

looking beautiful

A general term for attractive appearance.

shining brightly

Conveys a strong sense of inner and outer radiance.

beaming with joy

Connects the radiant appearance to an inner feeling of happiness.

exuding vitality

Highlights the energy and liveliness someone expresses.

presenting a picture of health

Focuses specifically on the impression of good health.

displaying a healthy glow

Emphasizes the healthy aspect of the radiant appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "looking radiant" to describe someone who appears healthy and attractive. For example, "She was "looking radiant" on her wedding day".

What are some alternatives to "looking radiant"?

Some alternatives include "appearing luminous", "glowing with health", or "looking stunning". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "looking radiant" in formal writing?

While "looking radiant" is acceptable in general writing, it might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more neutral phrases such as "healthy appearance" or "vibrant complexion".

What makes someone "looking radiant"?

A combination of health, happiness, and attractiveness contributes to someone "looking radiant". It often implies a glowing and vibrant appearance.