looking worried

USAGE SUMMARY

"looking worried" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the facial expression of someone who is anxious or uncertain about something. For example, "The girl glanced around the room, looking worried."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

(3) Psychological distress (i.e. the combination of symptoms of depression and anxiety) was assessed by the following seven MOSES items: looking sad and depressed, reporting sadness and depression, sounding sad and depressed, looking worried and anxious, reporting worry and anxiety, crying, and pessimism about the future.

BMC Geriatrics

"Victims?" the narrator says, incredulously, as the ad goes on to shows a normal-looking middle-class house and shots of ordinary – and perhaps significantly – white Americans looking worried and nervous as they raise families and work jobs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Trainers passed by, looking worried.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Roffe, looking worried, herds you back onto the bus.

The New York Times - Arts

He was staring up at me, looking worried.

Independent

"He'll think it's really true," George said, looking worried.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Or does the bready Judas just look worried?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Ali's corner looks worried!" In the 10th Ali threw his second punch.

The Guardian - Sport

The doctor suddenly looked worried and called over an intern, and the two of them examined the monitor tracking the fetal heartbeat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hubby looked worried and said he thought she should see "someone", interpreting my resolution to leave the decision to her as lack of expertise.

The Guardian

These long-suffering victims look worried, sad and desperate at all times of the day, even when they are secretly suppressing a moment of good fortune.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, combine "looking worried" with specific details about their posture or actions to create a more comprehensive picture, such as "looking worried, fidgeting with their hands".

Common error

Avoid using "looking worried" solely as a superficial description without delving into the character's internal thoughts or the reasons behind their worry. Ensure the description contributes to the narrative's depth and the character's development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking worried" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate that someone has an appearance of worry. Ludwig shows many instances where this phrase describes characters in narratives or real-life scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking worried" effectively conveys anxiety or concern through visible appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts. With a neutral register, it suits both formal and informal communication. The analysis shows its frequency in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. To enhance writing, use it to deepen character descriptions and avoid superficial applications. Remember, precise language paints a vivid picture of emotional states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a worried expression

Specifies that the worry is manifested in the facial expression.

looking distressed

Emphasizes a state of extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

looking apprehensive

Highlights a feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

with concern written on their face

Implies that the worry is very evident and readable in their expression.

appearing anxious

Focuses on the visual aspect of anxiety, emphasizing the outward presentation of worry.

visibly troubled

Emphasizes the noticeable or apparent nature of the distress.

seeming concerned

Highlights the impression of care and apprehension.

displaying unease

Focuses on the outward signs of discomfort or anxiety.

appearing disturbed

Highlights the unsettling or agitated state of the person.

seeming stressed

Focuses on the impression of being under pressure or strain.

FAQs

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

You can use "looking worried" to describe someone's appearance when they are anxious or concerned. For example, "She was "looking worried" as she waited for the test results."

What are some alternatives to "looking worried"?

Alternatives include "appearing anxious", "seeming concerned", or "looking apprehensive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "looked worried" instead of "looking worried"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Looking worried" describes a continuous state or action at the moment, while "looked worried" describes an appearance in the past. For instance, "He is "looking worried" now" versus "He "looked worried" yesterday."

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

It means that the person's facial expression and demeanor suggest they are experiencing anxiety, concern, or unease. It's a visual cue to their emotional state.