looks terrified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks terrified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone’s facial expression or demeanor that indicates fear or anxiety. Example: "When she heard the loud crash, she looked terrified, her eyes wide and her hands trembling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Rocky looks terrified.

The Guardian - Film

He looks terrified.

The Guardian

"You were fired?" He looks terrified.

The New Yorker

Another looks terrified as her big eyes flicker and roll.

The Guardian - Arts

She has cropped hair, a baggy uniform and looks terrified; so do her male peers.

The Economist

By 1950, the year they split, she looks terrified and trapped.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

At more than 1,000 pages, this book looks terrifying.

The Guardian - Books

It looks terrifying, as grim fighters wade ashore and loot a town in flames.

Independent

We are relieved not to have made it through because it looks terrifying.

The Guardian - Travel

They can't go backwards and forwards looks terrifying.

TechCrunch

The robot, which looks terrifying by the way, is being used to hold supplies such as water canisters.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks terrified" to vividly describe a character's emotional state, enhancing the reader's understanding of the scene and the character's experience. For instance, rather than stating "he was afraid", show it: "He looks terrified, his eyes darting around the room."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "looks terrified" without providing context or details about the character's surroundings or thoughts. Instead, combine the phrase with descriptive elements to create a more impactful and believable portrayal of fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks terrified" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a subject (person, animal) to indicate their apparent emotional state, specifically intense fear. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looks terrified" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that effectively conveys intense fear. Ludwig AI confirms that. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, this phrase serves to vividly describe a subject's emotional state, fostering empathy and understanding. While generally neutral, its appropriateness varies with context. To enhance writing, combine descriptive details rather than relying solely on the phrase, and consider synonyms like "appears petrified" or "seems frightened" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears petrified

Implies a state of being frozen or paralyzed with fear, suggesting a more intense level of terror.

seems frightened

A more general term for showing fear, suitable for various contexts.

appears scared stiff

Emphasizes immobility and intense fear, implying a strong physical reaction.

looks frightened out of their wits

Highlights a state of extreme fear, suggesting a loss of composure.

appears apprehensive

Suggests anxiety or unease about something that might happen, implying a milder form of fear.

seems panic-stricken

Focuses on the overwhelming feeling of panic and loss of control.

appears in a state of alarm

Highlights the presence of sudden and intense fear in response to an immediate threat.

seems uneasy

A milder expression indicating a lack of comfort or security, implying a lower level of fear.

looks anxious

Focuses on worry and nervousness, indicating a state of concern about future events.

seems intimidated

Suggests being made fearful by someone's power or presence, implying a specific source of fear.

FAQs

How can I describe a less intense version of "looks terrified"?

You could use phrases like "looks apprehensive", "seems uneasy", or "looks anxious" to convey a milder sense of fear or worry.

What are some synonyms for "terrified" that I can use with "looks"?

Instead of "terrified", you can use words like "petrified", "frightened", or "scared stiff" to modify the intensity or nuance of the description.

In what kind of writing is it appropriate to use "looks terrified"?

The phrase "looks terrified" is appropriate in various writing styles, from creative writing (novels, short stories) to journalistic reports, as long as the context calls for a vivid description of someone experiencing intense fear. Its usage in formal business setting may be seen as sensationalistic.

Is "looks terrified" interchangeable with "seems terrified"?

While both "looks terrified" and "seems terrified" convey a similar meaning, "looks terrified" focuses more on the visual aspect of fear, while "seems terrified" suggests a more inferred or perceived state of fear. They are largely interchangeable but may have subtle differences in emphasis.