somber looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somber looking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that appears serious, gloomy, or sad in appearance. Example: "The somber looking man stood at the corner, lost in thought as the rain poured down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The symphony can be seen as a somber looking back, its lyricism the wistful recollection of what's lost as an impetus to rise and dance again, however crushing that outburst at the score's end.

Los Angeles Times

Nadia is a very thin and rather somber looking little girl; she doesn't go to school and has spent the morning collecting leaves with her mother about six kilometers from their village.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But the somber looks on their faces said that deep down, they feared the worst.

The New York Times

The faith addressed by Mr. Gibson in his film "The Passion of the Christ" has provoked a more somber look at these dynamics.

The New York Times

That may explain the suddenly more somber look of "The Jig Is Up," also on this second of two programs at the Joyce.

The New York Times - Arts

But the somber looks and supportive nods of the Fox News crew who interviewed Trump after he and Whoopi Goldberg yelled at each other about birth certificates are telling.

The New Yorker

In "Pierrot," a swift and somber look at longing that conjures the soulful clown, Mr. Weinert, dressed simply in a white shirt and beige pants, uses his spiraling body to convey conflicting emotions.

The New York Times - Arts

Then our teachers, pale faces, somber looks, slowly guided all of us into a large eerily dark meeting room.

Los Angeles Times

When Brody was about 18 months old and Brandon was about 3 and a half years old, Bruce came to me one day with a very somber look on his face and said, "There's something about me that I really need to tell you, something you need to know".

Huffington Post

"I really believe those who believe in evolution will have their eyes opened tonight!" This is a cross-section of the 46percentt of Americans who believe in creationism crossed arms, somber looks, parents who have brought children to pass the torch of ignorance.

Vice

"I really believe those who believe in evolution will have their eyes opened tonight!" This is a cross-section of the 46% of Americans who believe in creationism; arms folded, somber looks; parents who have brought children to pass their torch of ignorance.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somber looking" to describe someone or something that conveys a sense of seriousness, sadness, or gloom. It's best used when the appearance is the primary focus.

Common error

While appropriate in certain contexts, overuse of "somber looking" can make your writing sound repetitive or melodramatic. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "glum looking" or "serious in appearance" to add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somber looking" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its appearance. It indicates a visual impression of seriousness, sadness, or gloom. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somber looking" is a grammatically correct and usable adjectival phrase to describe an appearance of sadness or seriousness. While relatively rare in occurrence, Ludwig AI confirms its validity and it is used in reliable sources such as the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times. Consider synonyms like "glum looking" or "bleak looking" to add variety to your writing. Overusing the phrase might make your writing sound melodramatic. It's most suitable for neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sombre looking

Variant spelling with the same meaning.

glum looking

Highlights a sullen or dejected expression.

gloomy looking

Emphasizes a dark or pessimistic appearance.

bleak looking

Focuses on a cheerless or unpromising appearance.

grim looking

Highlights a stern or forbidding appearance.

dark looking

Emphasizes a lack of light or joy in appearance.

dismal looking

Stresses a gloomy or depressing appearance.

depressing looking

Emphasizes the ability to cause sadness.

miserable looking

Focuses on an appearance of unhappiness or suffering.

serious in appearance

Uses a more formal tone, indicating a lack of humor or lightheartedness.

FAQs

What does "somber looking" mean?

"Somber looking" describes someone or something with a serious, sad, or gloomy appearance.

How can I use "somber looking" in a sentence?

You might say, "The "somber looking" clouds suggested an approaching storm" or "He had a "somber looking" expression after hearing the news."

What are some alternatives to "somber looking"?

Alternatives include "glum looking", "bleak looking", or "serious in appearance depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is "somber looking" formal or informal?

"Somber looking" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality of the surrounding language will influence the overall tone.