scrutinizing look

USAGE SUMMARY

'scrutinizing look' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used when someone is looking at something or someone closely and carefully. Example: The teacher gave the students a scrutinizing look before starting the class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In Ms. Atkinson's scrutinizing look can be seen everyday doubts and dissatisfactions, maybe a mild grimace at a shape-hiding muumuu, but nothing like shame or fear or despair.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He wore a supercilious look, scrutinizing us, and then looking down and taking notes," she recalled.

The New Yorker

OK, we just want to preface this with an acknowledgement that Selena Gomez is currently on a press tour for "Spring Breakers," so that's why we've been scrutinizing her looks lately.

Huffington Post

Courts already subject agency actions to a "hard look," scrutinizing the science justifying rules and rejecting unresponsive or arbitrary action.

The New York Times

"One of the things that was very nerve-racking was the thought that we'd have two audiences: a new audience that wasn't even born when the first one went out and the die-hard fans who would be scrutinizing it and looking for evidence of fidelity," Miss Thomas said.

The New York Times - Arts

As one agent finished scrutinizing my mother, she looked at my sister in the carriage.

The Guardian

Joe Fifer, the chief executive of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, compared scrutinizing line items to looking at the price of a steering wheel of a car.

The New York Times

"We'll be looking, obviously scrutinizing all asylum seekers at this time, but there are countries that we believe are supportive of Al Qaeda or countries where we know there is an Al Qaeda network or other terrorist organizations".

The New York Times

You can see the technician going down the checklist, scrutinizing the camera and looking for anything, anything that might disqualify the camera from being replaced for free.

TechCrunch

I never played 1998's Parasite Eve growing up (never had a PlayStation of my own until the PS3 came out), but that didn't mean I didn't spend much of my time poring over video game magazines, scrutinizing Aya's style and look.

Vice

"Scrutinizing this person and, especially, looking at where his money is coming from, was absolutely the right thing for these racing commissions to do," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scrutinizing look" to convey a sense of careful, detailed observation, often implying a search for something specific or a critical assessment of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "scrutinizing look" in overly casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or intense. Opt for simpler phrases like "careful look" or "close look" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scrutinizing look" functions as a noun phrase where "scrutinizing" acts as a present participle adjective modifying the noun "look". Ludwig AI confirms it as a correct part of a sentence. The main function is to describe a specific type of visual observation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scrutinizing look" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a careful and detailed visual observation. As Ludwig confirms, it is valid English and serves to emphasize the intensity and analytical nature of the observation. While its frequency is relatively rare, it is most commonly found in News & Media sources. When choosing this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality and the critical nature of the observation being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense gaze

Focuses on the intensity of the look, highlighting the unwavering nature of the observation.

searching glance

Emphasizes the active seeking of information or clues through the look.

careful observation

Shifts from the act of looking to the state of observing with diligence.

close inspection

Highlights the detailed and thorough nature of the examination.

thorough examination

Similar to close inspection, focusing on the completeness of the analysis.

detailed scrutiny

Replaces look with scrutiny, stressing the meticulous attention to detail.

analytical view

Emphasizes the intellectual and investigative approach behind the look.

piercing stare

Conveys a more forceful and penetrating form of looking.

critical assessment

Focuses on the evaluative nature of the observation.

watchful eye

Implies continuous and vigilant observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "scrutinizing look" to describe someone observing something or someone very carefully. For example: "The detective gave the evidence a "scrutinizing look", searching for any hidden clues."

What are some alternatives to "scrutinizing look"?

Alternatives include phrases like "intense gaze", "searching glance", or "careful observation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "scrutinizing look" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "scrutinizing look" is suitable for formal writing when you need to emphasize the detail and care taken in an observation or examination.

What does "scrutinizing look" imply about the observer?

A "scrutinizing look" implies that the observer is carefully examining something, often searching for hidden details, inconsistencies, or flaws. It suggests a focused and analytical approach.