she squinted at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she squinted at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone trying to see something more clearly, often in response to bright light or distance. Example: "As she walked into the bright sunlight, she squinted at the approaching figure in the distance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

She squinted at me.

The New Yorker

She squinted at me, then wandered off to the bedroom.

The New York Times - Magazine

She squinted at the screen before declining to engage the line.

The New Yorker

There was hushed suspense as she squinted at the blackened object.

The New York Times

She squinted at a dim figure beside him, a tall person with broad shoulders in an unflattering cocktail dress.

The New York Times - Magazine

When he asked her why she was taking them, she squinted at some of the labels, as if the answers would be written there.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

She squints at the list.

The Guardian

She squints at the sun and smiles.

Independent

She squints at the file again.

The Guardian

She squints at the tiny halogen lamps inside the one-room restaurant.

The New York Times - Magazine

She squints at me and holds a blue-lacquered fingernail to her lips, as though she were about to land a luxury suite down at the Motel 6.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "she squinted at" with adverbs (e.g., suspiciously, curiously) to add nuance to the character's intent and emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using "she squinted at" when the reason for the squint is emotional discomfort rather than visual impairment; consider alternatives like "she frowned at" or "she grimaced at" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she squinted at" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an action performed by a subject (she). It combines a verb ("squinted") with a preposition ("at") to describe how the subject focused her vision. Examples from Ludwig show diverse applications of this structure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she squinted at" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of narrowing one's eyes to see something more clearly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media sources. While primarily descriptive, the phrase can also convey suspicion or scrutiny. For alternatives, consider "she peered at" or "she gazed at", depending on the desired nuance. To use this phrase effectively, ensure the context aligns with visual effort or suspicion, and avoid using it when emotional discomfort is the primary reason for the squint. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she squinted her eyes at

Specifically mentions the physical action of squinting to improve vision.

she narrowed her eyes at

Suggests suspicion or skepticism in the act of looking.

she peered at

Emphasizes careful or curious observation, suggesting a closer look with intent.

she gazed at intently

Highlights the intensity and focus of the gaze.

she eyed

Suggests a brief or cautious look, often with suspicion or appraisal.

she glanced at

Implies a quick, often furtive look.

she peeked at

Implies a quick and secret look, often from behind something.

she scrutinized

Indicates a thorough and critical examination.

she stared at

Implies a prolonged and fixed look, possibly due to surprise or interest.

she observed

A more formal and neutral term for watching or noticing something.

FAQs

How can I use "she squinted at" in a sentence?

The phrase "she squinted at" is used to describe someone narrowing their eyes to see something more clearly. For example, "She squinted at the distant figure, trying to make out who it was".

What does it mean when someone "squints at" something?

When someone "squints at" something, it typically means they are narrowing their eyes, often due to bright light, poor vision, or suspicion. It indicates an effort to see more clearly or to express skepticism.

Which is correct, "she squinted at" or "she squints at"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they refer to different tenses. "She squinted at" is past tense, describing an action that happened in the past. "She squints at" is present tense, describing a habitual action or something happening now.

What can I say instead of "she squinted at"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "she peered at", "she gazed at", or "she eyed" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.