scary look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scary look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that conveys fear or intimidation. Example: "When she turned around with that scary look, I knew I had to apologize immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I'm mainly found in restaurants, or on Hell's Kitchen where I don't shout, don't swear – I just have to give a scary look.

Independent

She was wearing a hooded sweatshirt hiding her head from view, says David Sorensen, a customer who was standing next to her. "She made me feel suspicious right away, with the hood," Mr. Sorensen said in an interview, "and then when I glanced at her, she gave me this real scary look".

The New York Times

A scary look at the future.

Huffington Post

Joaquim Silva has a scary look, a menacing glare that suggests he means business.

Los Angeles Times

And that basic issue, the scary look at how race can dangerously shape perceptions with deadly results, is what has struck me to the core.

Huffington Post

So here's the fix: start with a topic that's less scary, look up the questions and process on the Living Room Conversation website and have a go at it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Scary looked far too benign.

The Guardian - Music

Or a scary looking predator with a knife.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have bought us all scary looking energy drinks.

The Guardian

But then we get exposed to Renoir's deformed pink fuzzy women and scary looking babies.

Independent

"Darren Ambrose is not only a truly awful player, he is also quite scary looking".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scary look" to vividly describe a facial expression that evokes fear or intimidation in your reader. It is most effective when describing immediate, impactful moments.

Common error

Avoid using "scary look" repetitively throughout a descriptive passage. Instead, vary your descriptions with synonyms like "menacing glare" or focus on the specific features that contribute to the scary impression, such as "widened eyes" or "furrowed brow".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scary look" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "scary" modifies the noun "look". It describes a specific type of appearance that evokes fear or intimidation. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing facial expressions and overall appearances that are frightening.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scary look" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an appearance that evokes fear or intimidation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, noting its presence in diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to vary its usage with alternatives like "menacing glare" or "frightening gaze" to enhance descriptive writing. When using the phrase, ensure it vividly conveys the intended sense of fear or unease, and avoid overuse in narrative descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

menacing glare

Focuses on the threatening aspect of the look.

frightening gaze

Emphasizes the fear induced by the look.

intimidating stare

Highlights the look's capacity to daunt or discourage.

chilling expression

Suggests the look evokes a sense of dread or unease.

terrifying visage

Uses a more formal term for 'face' to amplify the fear.

ghastly countenance

Implies a deathly or spectral quality to the look.

sinister appearance

Shifts focus to overall look with a hint of evil or malicious intent.

threatening aspect

Generalizes the physical presence to inspire fear.

alarming demeanor

Broadens the scope to include general conduct or behavior that causes alarm.

disturbing mien

Mien refers to a person's look or manner, especially one of a particular kind indicating their character or mood.

FAQs

How can I describe a similar expression to "scary look"?

You can use alternatives like "menacing glare", "frightening gaze", or "intimidating stare" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "scary look" appropriate for formal writing?

While "scary look" is widely understood, in more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "threatening aspect" or "sinister appearance", which may sound more professional.

What's the difference between "scary look" and "scared look"?

"Scary look" describes an expression that causes fear in others. On the other hand, "scared look" describes an expression of fear on someone's face. For example: "The villain had a "scary look"", versus "The victim had a "scared look"".

How to use "scary look" in a sentence?

You can say something like: "When he gave me that "scary look", I knew I was in trouble". Or "The clown's makeup and "scary look" terrified the children".