sharp glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp glance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone's quick, intense, and focused look at something. For example: "He gave the suspicious stranger a sharp glance before walking away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Mrs. Kim gave her a sharp glance.

The New Yorker

The matron gave her a quick, sharp glance.

The New Yorker

Rosa Hinojosa, who was conferring with the man behind the counter, gave him a sharp glance.

The New Yorker

Huston gave him a sharp glance, then sighed and put his long legs up on the desk.

The New Yorker

The Sunday Times Colour Supplement, launched in 1962, offered 'a sharp glance at the mood of Britain'.

The Guardian - Books

– Jeff Gordinier Sticky Rice: A blogger in Hanoi with a short, sharp glance at streetside pork belly that left me starving.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

We listen in on their awkward conversations, exchange sharp glances of amusement.

The New Yorker

It is full of sharp, glancing insights, but Byrne never brings his approach to music into focus.

The New York Times - Books

They walked together for half a block, then she gave a couple of sharp glances, she had followed the wrong beard.

The New Yorker

Here, and in "Underwater," she has the husky-voiced glamour and sharp, glancing beauty and artifice of a French chanteuse of uncertain age.

The New York Times - Arts

Twenty-six-year-old Carneiro, a diminutive imp with little round glasses, is the only member permitted any genuine animation as he sings along and conducts with sharp glances and nods of his head.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp glance" to convey a sense of sudden scrutiny or disapproval. It's particularly effective when describing a character's reaction in a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp glance" when a softer, more casual look is intended. The word "sharp" implies a focused, sometimes critical, observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp glance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "sharp" modifies the noun "glance". As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. This combination creates a vivid description of a particular way of looking at something or someone.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Books

15%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp glance" is a grammatically sound and effective way to describe a quick, intense look, often implying disapproval or scrutiny. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable and correct phrase in English. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in "News & Media", literary works, and artistic contexts. When using the phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey; alternatives such as "piercing look" or "critical gaze" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Be mindful to maintain consistency and precision with the intended meaning of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

piercing look

Emphasizes the intensity and penetrating quality of the look.

intense stare

Focuses on the unwavering and concentrated nature of the gaze.

quick glare

Highlights the brief and angry nature of the look.

critical gaze

Stresses the judgmental and evaluative aspect of the look.

penetrating gaze

Indicates a look that seems to see beyond the surface.

scrutinizing look

Suggests a careful and detailed examination through sight.

observant gaze

Highlights the attentiveness and awareness of the look.

keen observation

Shifts from the act of glancing to the quality of being observant.

discerning look

Suggests that the look is capable of making fine distinctions and judgments.

swift survey

Emphasizes the speed and comprehensive nature of the visual assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp glance" to describe a quick, critical look someone gives, as in "She gave him a "sharp glance" when he interrupted her".

What are some alternatives to "sharp glance"?

Alternatives include "piercing look", "intense stare", or "critical gaze", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sharp glance" in formal writing?

Yes, "sharp glance" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, as it is a well-understood and grammatically correct phrase.

What does a "sharp glance" typically imply?

A "sharp glance" typically implies disapproval, suspicion, or a sudden, critical observation. It suggests more than a casual look.