odd glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "odd glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look or expression that is unusual or unexpected, often implying curiosity or suspicion. Example: "She gave him an odd glance when he mentioned his plans for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Conrad got the odd glance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I exercise, pig out on junk food, and look for sex as a way to escape the paranoia that's come in and colonized every odd glance and weak smile, and to feel like I'm a real person inside a real body again.

The New York Times

Murray admitted that he had stolen more than the odd glance at the scoreboard to check events on Court Philippe Chatrier, where Djokovic was finishing off a straight-sets victory over Nadal that makes him an even bigger favourite to win the title for the first time.

The Guardian - Sport

Here, the calm, quiet business of the day was attended to by a couple of officers taking the odd glance at a radar screen, answering various bakelite phones, and drinking tea over a lamplit map desk with a big teacher's pencil sharpener clamped to the side.

The Guardian - Travel

Tube travellers can still get the odd glance of an abandoned station – there is one barely visible between Tottenham Court Road and Holborn on the Central Line, which until 1932 served the British Museum.

BBC

Meanwhile, possibly on that same forest-covered planet, Poe Dameron and Finn share a truly odd glance with one another.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Odd glances from other parents worried about the MP and his family.

The Guardian - Sport

When we heard this, my friends and I exchanged odd glances.

Vice

"I will marry the girl who fits this T-shirt," I mutter, to odd glances.

Vice

If you are not willing to endure some odd glances or comments, you will have no choice but to keep your blossoming strangeness to yourself.

WikiHow

My twenties were presided over by Brecht and Benjamin, with the odd nervous glance at Adorno.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "odd glance" to subtly convey a character's reaction or suspicion without explicitly stating their thoughts.

Common error

Avoid using "odd glance" when a more intense or negative expression is intended; consider alternatives like "suspicious stare" or "disapproving look" for stronger connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "odd glance" functions as a noun phrase, where "odd" modifies the noun "glance". It typically serves to describe a specific type of look, often implying something is unusual or out of the ordinary. Ludwig AI confirms that "odd glance" is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "odd glance" is a valid and relatively common expression used to describe a look that conveys something unusual or unexpected. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English. It functions as a noun phrase, typically used to imply surprise, curiosity, or suspicion. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media sources. When a stronger connotation is needed, it can be substituted with alternatives like "strange look" or "peculiar gaze".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strange look

Replaces "odd" with "strange", maintaining the sense of something unusual in the look.

unusual look

Replaces “odd” with “unusual” meaning not habitually or commonly occurring or done.

funny look

Uses "funny" as a synonym for "odd", indicating something unusual or strange.

peculiar gaze

Substitutes "glance" with "gaze", suggesting a more intense or focused look, while "peculiar" emphasizes the strangeness.

weird stare

Replaces both "odd" and "glance" to indicate something strange.

curious look

Emphasizes the inquisitiveness behind the glance, rather than its strangeness.

suspicious look

Highlights the element of distrust or doubt in the glance.

quizzical expression

Shifts from the action of glancing to the overall facial expression of confusion or questioning.

bemused stare

Implies a state of mild confusion or amusement, conveyed through a prolonged look.

knowing glance

Suggests a look that conveys shared understanding or secret knowledge, in contrast to simple oddity.

FAQs

How can I use "odd glance" in a sentence?

You can use "odd glance" to describe a look that is strange or unusual. For example, "She gave him an "odd glance" when he started singing out of nowhere."

What can I say instead of "odd glance"?

You can use alternatives like "strange look", "peculiar gaze", or "curious look" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "odd glance" in formal writing?

Yes, "odd glance" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a character's reaction in a subtle, understated way. However, ensure it fits the tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "odd glance" and "knowing glance"?

"Odd glance" suggests confusion or surprise, while "knowing glance" implies shared understanding or secret knowledge.