searching glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "searching glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look that is probing or seeking something, often conveying curiosity or concern. Example: "She cast a searching glance around the room, trying to find her missing friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Before the taping, Ron gave Tina a bereft, searching glance.

The New Yorker

Reactions were mixed: laughter, hostile glares, and the occasional searching glance at the paper's cover (which was dominated, unhelpfully, by a photo from Kashmir).

The New Yorker

Here Mr. Pickwick meets his first Virginian: "America is a fine place, sir, is it not?" inquired Mr. Pickwick, looking with a searching glance into the countenance of the gentleman of the gigantic brimmer. . . .

The New Yorker

One great contribution that they made to the art of criticism was the idea that any object, no matter how seemingly trivial, was worth a searching glance.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mitchell began to cast searching glances in the direction of the dog's oblivious owner.

The New Yorker

The love feels heartfelt but it's difficult loving other people (the dog has it easy), a hardship that's evident in the happy-tearful faces, the tentative touches and searching glances that make this movie, or maybe all its yearning, so appealing.

The New York Times

We've moved from surfing and searching to glancing.

TechCrunch

Her voice is knowing and almost nonchalant as she drops hints and casts sidelong glances: "Searching for a smoke and for your eyes/Where are they?" Backed by a handful of musicians including her producer, J. D. Foster, Ms. Balint puts arty twists into back-alley Americana.

The New York Times - Arts

I glanced up, searching for a towel, or a fire hose, I guess, and then I saw them: a young man and woman sitting in the dining room.

The New Yorker

In my silence, I shot glances around, searching for anyone who might do us harm.

Huffington Post

An Internet search, a glance at newspaper listings or a flick of your radio dial is all you need to see that the United States is anything but "the great blank on the world map of period performance".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "searching glance" to effectively convey a character's internal state of curiosity, suspicion, or need for information in narrative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "searching glance" when a simple, non-probing look is intended. "Searching" implies a focused intent to find something specific, not just a casual observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "searching glance" functions as a noun phrase, where "searching" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "glance". Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It describes a specific type of look characterized by intent and purpose.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "searching glance" is a grammatically correct and usable expression describing a purposeful look aimed at finding something or understanding a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase, with "searching" modifying "glance". It's most frequently used in news and media contexts. While several alternatives exist, such as "inquisitive gaze" or "probing look", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Use it carefully to suggest the character's intent, and avoid using it for a quick, undirected look. All of this makes "searching glance" a powerful expression in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquisitive gaze

Replaces "glance" with "gaze" and "searching" with "inquisitive", emphasizing a deeper, more prolonged look driven by curiosity.

probing look

Substitutes "glance" with "look" and "searching" with "probing", highlighting an attempt to uncover something hidden.

scrutinizing gaze

Combines "gaze" with "scrutinizing", suggesting a careful and critical examination.

questioning look

Emphasizes the seeking of information or clarification through a facial expression.

investigative stare

Uses "stare" for a more intense look and "investigative" to highlight the intent to discover something.

examining gaze

Focuses on a detailed inspection with the word "examining".

keen observation

Shifts from a quick look to a sustained act of watching carefully.

discerning look

Highlights the ability to perceive subtle differences or make accurate judgments.

analytic gaze

Replaces quick look with a more thoughtful, intellectual examination.

appraising eye

Suggests a look that is evaluating or judging something's worth.

FAQs

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

You can use "searching glance" to describe someone looking intently for something or trying to understand a situation. For example, "She cast a searching glance around the room, looking for any sign of her missing keys."

What are some alternatives to "searching glance"?

Alternatives include "inquisitive gaze", "probing look", or "scrutinizing gaze" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "searching glance" a formal or informal expression?

"Searching glance" is a relatively neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more descriptive alternatives may be preferred in highly formal writing.

What does a "searching glance" imply?

A "searching glance" implies that someone is not simply looking but is actively seeking information or trying to understand something through their observation. It conveys a sense of purpose and intent behind the look.