proud looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proud looking" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward.
It could be used to describe someone who appears proud, but it is more common to use "looking proud" instead. Example: "She walked into the room, looking proud of her accomplishments."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"And I never felt so proud looking at the flag.

The New York Times

Then it's on to the broad main street and through a proud looking gateway leading into thick forest.

The Guardian - Travel

On September 16 , 2001 Cunningham ran a collage of signs ("OUR FINEST HOUR," "WE ARE STRONGER NOW") and flags (on bandannas, on buildings, on bikes) that makes one as sad and proud, looking at it now, as it did when it was published.

The New Yorker

"I am very proud looking back at the last 17 years and I will never forget this day".

BBC

"I am very proud looking back at the last 17 years and I will never forget this day". He added: "It's a day I've been dreading, because I will miss it so much". Gerrard will play his final game for his hometown club away at Stoke next weekend, before leaving to play for LA Galaxy in the United States in the summer.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I just want to make him proud, look after him for a change," she said.

BBC

The quietness and the proud look of it.

The New Yorker

"I'll never forget the proud looks on those whose hands were raised to swear allegiance to our nation," he said.

The New York Times

By summer, the entire fern has a glossy sheen and its upright habit gives it a rather proud look.

The New York Times

He was gazing out at the stands, wearing the stoic but proud look of a father watching a child graduate.

The New York Times - Sports

When they were done measuring, Webber had the proud look of a sibling who had two inches on his twin.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's expression, consider using "looking proud" as it is a more common and natural phrasing than "proud looking". For example, instead of "He was proud looking", try "He was looking proud".

Common error

Avoid overusing "proud looking" as a compound adjective before a noun. While grammatically possible, it can sound awkward. Instead, rephrase the sentence for better clarity, such as "a proud look" or "an expression of pride".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proud looking" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun by describing its appearance as conveying pride. However, Ludwig indicates that it's more common to say "looking proud".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct, the phrase "proud looking" is less common than its counterpart "looking proud". Ludwig AI shows that "proud looking" functions as a compound adjective describing an appearance of pride, but is often perceived as less idiomatic. The phrase appears mostly in news and media contexts with neutral register. For clearer and more natural writing, consider using "looking proud" or alternatives such as "a proud expression". Pay special attention to the less frequent usage, and try to rephrase using terms such as "proud expression" when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking proud

Word order is reversed, placing emphasis on the act of looking rather than a state of being.

seeming proud

Emphasizes the appearance of pride rather than an inherent feeling.

appearing proud

Highlights the visible manifestation of pride.

with a proud expression

Rephrases it to focus on the facial expression as indicative of pride.

having a proud demeanor

Shifts the focus to overall behavior and attitude.

showing pride

Highlights the action of displaying pride.

radiating pride

Implies an intense or vibrant display of pride.

beaming with pride

Conveys a joyful and overt display of pride.

full of pride

Expresses a state of being completely filled with pride.

taking pride in their appearance

Focuses on the action of feeling proud of one's physical appearance.

FAQs

Is it better to say "looking proud" or "proud looking"?

"Looking proud" is generally preferred in contemporary English. While "proud looking" is grammatically acceptable, the former is more idiomatic and commonly used. For example, "She was "looking proud" of her accomplishments" sounds more natural than "She was proud looking".

What does it mean when someone is described as "proud looking"?

It means that the person's appearance or expression conveys a sense of pride, satisfaction, or self-esteem. The person's posture, facial expression, or overall demeanor suggests that they feel pleased with themselves or their achievements.

What are some alternative ways to describe a "proud looking" person?

Instead of "proud looking", you could say they have a "proud expression", they "seemed proud", or they were "beaming with pride". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can I avoid using "proud looking" in my writing?

Rephrase the sentence to emphasize the action or state of feeling proud. For example, instead of "The team had a proud looking stance", try "The team stood "proudly"" or "The team looked as though they were "proud of" their accomplishment".