looks away

USAGE SUMMARY

"looks away" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone directing their gaze away from something or someone. Here are some examples: - "She couldn't bear to look into his eyes, so she looked away." - "As the embarrassing video played on the screen, he quickly looked away, feeling embarrassed." - "The witness nervously looked away while giving their testimony in court." - "Every time he caught her staring at him, she would blush and look away." - "The sunset was so beautiful that I couldn't help but look away from my phone and admire it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Georgette looks away.

The New Yorker

She looks away, scowling.

The New York Times

She looks away.

The Economist

He looks away.

The New Yorker

Beatrice looks away.

The New Yorker

He looks away and sighs.

The Economist

Yet the world looks away.

The Economist

He stops and looks away.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Then look away now.

Independent

Mr. Jean looked away.

The New York Times

I never looked away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks away" to subtly indicate discomfort, guilt, or a desire to disengage from a conversation or situation. The action speaks volumes about the character's internal state.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "looks away" to convey a character's emotions. Vary your descriptions with more specific actions like "fidgets with hands", "voice wavers", or "avoids the question directly" to provide a richer and more nuanced portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks away" functions as a verb phrase, typically describing a nonverbal action indicating a shift in gaze direction. It demonstrates a subject's deliberate or involuntary movement of the eyes, often carrying significant communicative weight as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looks away" is a frequently used phrase, particularly in News & Media, functioning as a verb phrase to describe the action of averting one's gaze. According to Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and serves to communicate a character's internal state or reaction, such as discomfort or disinterest. While generally neutral in register, it’s essential to avoid overusing it and instead opt for richer descriptions. Alternatives like "averts gaze" or "avoids eye contact" can add nuance. Therefore, understanding its implications can significantly enhance clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid eye contact

Directly states the intention of not meeting someone's gaze.

refuses to meet eyes

Highlights a deliberate refusal to establish eye contact, suggesting defiance or discomfort.

averts gaze

Emphasizes the action of turning the eyes away, often implying discomfort or avoidance.

deflects gaze

Implies a deliberate effort to redirect the line of sight.

turns aside

Focuses on the physical act of turning one's head or body away, indirectly avoiding eye contact.

drops eyes

Specifically describes lowering the eyes, suggesting humility or submissiveness.

looks down

Describes directing the gaze downward, potentially indicating sadness or contemplation.

shies away

Highlights a sense of timidity or reluctance in avoiding direct engagement.

glances aside

Suggests a quick, fleeting movement of the eyes to the side.

shifts focus

Indicates a change in visual attention, moving from one point of interest to another.

FAQs

How can I use "looks away" in a sentence?

Use "looks away" to describe someone averting their gaze, often indicating discomfort, guilt, or disinterest. For example, "She "looked away" when confronted with the evidence".

What are some alternatives to "looks away"?

You can use alternatives such as "averts gaze", "turns aside", or "avoids eye contact" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "looks away" formal or informal?

"Looks away" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and situation than the phrase itself.

What does it mean when someone "looks away"?

When someone "looks away", it often indicates they are uncomfortable, lying, guilty, shy, or simply uninterested in continuing eye contact. The specific reason is inferred from context.