looks nervous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks nervous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's appearance or demeanor when they seem anxious or uneasy. Example: "During the interview, she looks nervous, fidgeting with her hands and avoiding eye contact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He looks nervous.

The New York Times

Bode Baffert looks nervous.

The New York Times

Monique Roffey looks nervous.

Independent

The field co-ordinator looks nervous.

The Guardian - Film

Novak looks nervous as he waits to take the court.

The New York Times

Frequently checking her makeup and her hair, she looks nervous.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The Iranians look nervous.

The New Yorker

I look nervous still.

The New York Times - Magazine

Do I look nervous?

The New Yorker

One looked nervous.

The Guardian

The Knicks look nervous.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks nervous" to describe transient states of anxiety rather than inherent personality traits. For example, "He looks nervous before his presentation" is better than "He always looks nervous" if the nervousness is situational.

Common error

While "looks nervous" is appropriate, avoid using it repeatedly within a short span. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "appears anxious" or "seems uneasy" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks nervous" functions as a linking verb phrase followed by an adjective, describing the apparent emotional state or demeanor of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and commonly used, primarily in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks nervous" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe someone who appears anxious or uneasy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and applicable across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms such as "appears anxious" or "seems uneasy" to avoid redundancy. Remember, ""looks nervous"" describes an outward appearance, which may not always reflect the actual internal state. Avoiding overuse and varying your descriptive language can significantly improve the quality and readability of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Appears anxious

Focuses on the manifestation of anxiety through one's appearance.

Seems uneasy

Indicates a lack of comfort or ease in one's demeanor.

Exhibits apprehension

Highlights the outward display of fear or worry.

Displays anxiety

Emphasizes the visible signs of worry.

Is showing nerves

Implies the person is actively revealing their nervousness.

Betrays unease

Suggests that one's discomfort is unintentionally revealed.

Looks apprehensive

Highlights the aspect of anticipation of future problems.

Seemed agitated

Indicates visible signs of disturbance, such as restlessness or irritability.

Appeared stressed

Focuses on the person manifestation of stress.

Seemed on edge

Emphasizes the state of being tense and irritable.

FAQs

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

You can use "looks nervous" to describe someone's appearance when they seem anxious or uneasy. For example: "During the interview, she "looks nervous", fidgeting with her hands and avoiding eye contact."

What can I say instead of "looks nervous"?

You can use alternatives like "appears anxious", "seems uneasy", or "exhibits apprehension" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "looked nervously"?

While grammatically understandable, "looked nervously" is less common. It's generally better to say "looked nervous" or "looked around nervously."

What's the difference between "looks nervous" and "is nervous"?

"Looks nervous" describes someone's apparent state, while "is nervous" describes their internal feeling. Someone can "look nervous" without actually "being nervous", and vice versa.