peculiar look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "peculiar look" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an odd or unusual expression or gaze. For example, "He gave me a peculiar look when I asked him the question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Bob gave me a peculiar look.

The New Yorker

Lynch himself has said of Henry's very peculiar look, his constant scrutinising, in Eraserhead: "Everything should be looked at.

The Guardian - Film

Still, there's a peculiar look to this noir sci-fi horror movie, with the camera often positioned beneath the actors and tilting up at black or mucky ceilings.

The New Yorker

Some of this is affecting, some of it tedious, and the film's inconsistencies of tone are made more glaring by its peculiar look.

The New York Times

"Did you notice anything about her face, her physical appearance, when you turned her over?" "It had a kind of peculiar look".

The New Yorker

Far from a hindrance however, Rosenfeld and the game's creator Markus Perrson found that players appreciated the aural idiosyncracies – the rudimentary sound seemed to reflect and enhance the peculiar look of the world, with its endless blocks and pixelated flora.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

(It had occurred to me that although Hildie still resembled her father, her appearance would be seen, later in life, as distinguishing; people would seek ownership of those peculiar looks, the way they would those of a rock star's eccentric-looking daughter. Only outsiders would make the obvious comments; insiders would know better).

The New Yorker

Mrs. Wesley alien, a friend, came in at 12 30 and at one-thirty, a peculiar looking female came out, at gate surrendered her pass and boarded a trolley car.

The New Yorker

Channel Seven was copping heat on social media on Thursday after it unveiled a peculiar looking line-up for its election night coverage.

The Guardian

Her public image faded into oblivion until a revival in the 1980s, when her peculiar looks inspired graphic artists such as Dave Stevens.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It" himself, the sand-fairy, or psammead, with his mean temper and witty asides and peculiar looks, is part of that style - his character is drawn like a character in a realist novel, all contrasting angles rather than pretty effects.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "peculiar look" when you want to describe a facial expression or gaze that is strange, odd, or unusual. It implies something is noticeably different or out of the ordinary.

Common error

Avoid using "peculiar look" when you intend to describe something positive or attractive. "Peculiar" generally carries a connotation of strangeness or oddity, not beauty or charm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "peculiar look" functions as a noun phrase, where "peculiar" modifies the noun "look". It describes a specific type of gaze or facial expression. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes something noticeably different or out of the ordinary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "peculiar look" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe an odd or unusual expression or gaze. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides helpful examples. While it's not the most common phrase, it's understood across a variety of contexts, especially in News & Media. Remember to use it when you want to convey a sense of strangeness or oddity in someone's expression, and avoid it when describing something positive or attractive. Consider alternatives such as "strange gaze" or "odd expression" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strange gaze

Replaces "look" with "gaze" emphasizing the act of looking in an odd manner.

weird glance

Uses "weird" to describe the look, implying something unsettling.

odd expression

Focuses on the facial expression being strange rather than the act of looking.

curious stare

Replaces "look" with "stare", implying a prolonged and inquisitive gaze.

unusual appearance

Shifts the focus to overall appearance rather than just a look.

funny aspect

Substitutes "peculiar" with "funny", suggesting amusement or mild strangeness.

distinctive air

Focuses on an overall impression or manner that is unique.

remarkable visage

Formal and emphasizes a noteworthy or striking facial appearance.

uncommon mien

Refers to a person's general appearance and manner, suggesting it's not typical.

singular countenance

Highlights the uniqueness of someone's facial expression or features.

FAQs

How can I use "peculiar look" in a sentence?

You can use "peculiar look" to describe someone's expression. For example: "He gave me a "peculiar look" when I mentioned the incident."

What is a synonym for "peculiar look"?

Synonyms for "peculiar look" include "strange gaze", "odd expression", or "unusual appearance".

Is "peculiar look" formal or informal?

"Peculiar look" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the surrounding language and situation.

What does "peculiar" mean in the context of "peculiar look"?

In this context, "peculiar" means strange, odd, or unusual. It suggests that the look is noticeably different from what is expected or normal.