looking striking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking striking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has a visually impressive or attention-grabbing appearance. Example: "The actress walked onto the red carpet, looking striking in her elegant gown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A woman, looking stricken.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I will never forget 1994," Richards says, looking stricken.

The New Yorker

She nibbled on her quiche, still looking stricken.

The New Yorker

"Oh, was it his brother?" Mrs. Loveys asked, looking stricken.

The New York Times

Mr. May moved into the light, looking stricken; Ms. Naslund turned.

The New York Times - Arts

The jurors, some looking stricken, listened as Lieutenant Markella went on.

The New York Times

What?" Stewart said, looking stricken and confused, before he was led away.

The New Yorker

"He's not a chef," he told the floor reporter, looking stricken.

The New York Times

When I asked her a grammar question, she sat mute, looking stricken.

The New York Times

I watched her looking stricken, and understood her response in a way I hadn't before.

The New York Times

"I lost both me granddads in the war," Mr. Jellis said, looking stricken to the point of tears.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking striking" to describe someone or something that stands out visually in a positive and memorable way. For example, "She was looking striking in her new dress."

Common error

Avoid using "looking striking" to describe everyday or ordinary appearances. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the visual impression is truly exceptional or noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking striking" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (often a person) by describing their appearance as visually impressive and attention-grabbing. This is evidenced by Ludwig, with examples demonstrating its use in journalistic and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking striking" is a grammatically sound and relatively rare phrase used to describe someone or something with a visually impressive appearance. Analysis of its usage, based on available examples, suggests that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While perfectly acceptable, "looking striking" should be reserved for instances where the visual impact is truly noteworthy, as overuse can diminish its effect. Alternatives such as ""looking stunning"" or ""appearing remarkable"" can also be employed for a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearing remarkable

Replaces "striking" with "remarkable", focusing on the noteworthiness of the appearance.

looking stunning

Substitutes "striking" with "stunning", highlighting the beauty and impressiveness of the appearance.

looking gorgeous

Replaces "striking" with "gorgeous", emphasizing the beauty and attractiveness.

looking impressive

Focuses on the overall impact and impressiveness of the appearance.

having a striking appearance

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the "appearance" itself being striking.

presenting a striking image

Highlights the visual impression created by the person or object.

looking magnificent

Replaces "striking" with "magnificent", suggesting a grand and impressive appearance.

looking radiant

Focuses on a glowing and vibrant appearance.

looking dazzling

Highlights the brilliance and eye-catching quality of the appearance.

looking statuesque

Implies a dignified and graceful appearance, like a statue.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "looking striking"?

Saying someone is "looking striking" means they have a visually impressive or attention-grabbing appearance, often due to their beauty, style, or overall presence.

What can I say instead of "looking striking"?

You can use alternatives like "looking stunning", "appearing remarkable", or "looking gorgeous" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "looking striking" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when describing visual elements in a descriptive or narrative context. Its usage is common in "news and media".

How does "looking striking" compare to "looking attractive"?

"Looking attractive" generally refers to a pleasing appearance, while "looking striking" implies a more dramatic and memorable visual impact. Something "looking striking" is more likely to stand out.