silent glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "silent glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look exchanged between individuals that conveys meaning without words, often implying understanding or emotion. Example: "They shared a silent glance, communicating their feelings without uttering a single word."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They have a sure, unemphatic way of connecting, with just a few words and gestures, or a silent glance; they're never not connected to each other.

The New Yorker

Ledcat and I exchanged a silent glance and then we stared back.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When an uncomfortable issue arises, the two exchange silent glances before one speaks on behalf of both.

The New York Times - Sports

(In an early McQueen installation called Bear, two naked men, one of them the artist himself, exchange ambiguous silent glances).

The Guardian - Film

They exchanged somber, silent glances, aware that their fate was already somehow tied together, but each in a private shroud of misery.

The New York Times

This enigmatic figure, freely walking about the stage and wearing either a nondescript overcoat or concert tails, communicated with the other musicians exclusively on his 1730 Guarneri and through silent glances.

The New York Times

But how much was a man expected to take?" "How easily he could imagine those opening gambits, those subtle flashes of skin, those freighted, silent glances, those curly half smiles that would set the fuse alight.

Huffington Post

The conductor and I exchange a silent, knowing glance.

The New York Times

His friend Robert Wilson, the avant-garde director and playwright, said Dr. Stern's slow-motion baby films helped inspire his seven-hour "silent opera," "Deafman Glance".

The New York Times - Health

With a libretto and music by Bernice Johnson Reagon and Toshi Reagon, and a story and book by Jacqueline Woodson, "Zinnias" also reunites Mr. Wilson with Sheryl Sutton, the performer who starred in the provocative "silent opera" "Deafman Glance," which brought them both a lot of attention in the 1970s.

The New York Times - Arts

A silent exchange of glances told Robert the men wouldn't leave them in the lurch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "silent glance" to effectively portray a moment of unspoken communication or understanding between characters in your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying on "silent glance" as a substitute for actual dialogue when the scene requires explicit verbal exchange. Ensure it complements, rather than replaces, meaningful conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "silent glance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of non-verbal communication. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a look exchanged between individuals that conveys meaning without words.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "silent glance" effectively captures a moment of unspoken communication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its function in conveying meaning without words. While relatively rare in overall usage, "silent glance" is primarily found in News & Media contexts, often used to describe subtle interactions and shared understandings between individuals. Consider alternatives like "wordless exchange" or "unspoken look" to add nuance to your writing. Use the phrase sparingly in dialogue-heavy scenes to avoid detracting from explicit verbal exchanges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wordless exchange

Focuses on the exchange aspect, emphasizing the lack of spoken words.

unspoken look

Highlights that the look carries a message without being spoken.

tacit understanding

Emphasizes the shared understanding conveyed without explicit communication.

knowing look

Implies shared knowledge or awareness reflected in a look.

meaningful gaze

Stresses the significance and depth of the look.

expressive stare

Focuses on how the stare can convey feelings or thoughts.

shared look

Highlights the mutual aspect of the glance.

private gaze

Emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of the look.

telepathic communication

Emphasizes the implied deep connection between the individuals.

unvoiced sentiment

Underscores the unexpressed feeling conveyed through a look.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "silent glance" in a sentence?

Use "silent glance" to show unspoken communication or shared understanding between characters. For example, "They exchanged a "silent glance", knowing exactly what the other was thinking."

What are some alternatives to "silent glance"?

You can use alternatives like "unspoken look", "knowing look", or "wordless exchange" depending on the context. See a wider range of alternatives "here".

Is "silent glance" a formal or informal expression?

"Silent glance" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's most commonly found in narrative writing and descriptive passages.

What does it mean when people exchange a "silent glance"?

A "silent glance" typically signifies shared understanding, unspoken agreement, or a moment of non-verbal communication. It can convey a range of emotions or intentions without the need for words.