suspicious look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suspicious look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that indicates doubt or mistrust towards a situation or person. Example: "When she mentioned the missing money, he gave her a suspicious look, as if he doubted her honesty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I looked to the airborne trainee sitting next to me and gave him a suspicious look.

The New York Times

She gives me a suspicious look, then stands up and takes off her coat.

The Guardian - Books

An old woman sweeping a balcony pauses to give the expensive automobile a suspicious look.

The New Yorker

He gave me and my wife a slightly suspicious look and asked why we had to do something special.

The New York Times - Magazine

He gave me the same suspicious look I later saw when he confronted frightened farmers about insurgents in their fields.

The New Yorker

He gave me and my car a long, suspicious look, shook his head and picked up the phone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Others gave me dirty or suspicious looks.

The New York Times

But I've learned to ignore the suspicious looks.

The New York Times - Books

Upon deeming Martin suspicious looking, Zimmerman started following him and called 911.

The New Yorker

Instead of a Romeo, all I get is suspicious looks from people I already know.

The Guardian - Arts

Others, she said, "just gave me suspicious looks as if I was a dognapper".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "suspicious look" with descriptive details of facial expressions, such as furrowed brows or narrowed eyes, to create a more vivid image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid overusing "suspicious look" for minor uncertainties. Reserve it for situations where there's genuine doubt or mistrust to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspicious look" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "gave a suspicious look"). It describes a specific facial expression conveying doubt, mistrust, or wariness. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suspicious look" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that effectively communicates doubt or mistrust through facial expression. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequency is classified as "common", appearing most often in "News & Media" and "Books". While it maintains a neutral register, its impact is best reserved for situations where genuine skepticism is intended. Related phrases like "mistrustful gaze" and "dubious glance" offer nuanced alternatives. When writing, use this phrase to subtly convey internal states, but avoid overuse to preserve its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mistrustful gaze

Replaces "look" with "gaze" emphasizing a fixed and intent expression of mistrust.

questionable look

Substitutes "suspicious" with "questionable", highlighting the uncertainty or doubt conveyed.

dubious glance

Uses "dubious" instead of "suspicious" and "glance" instead of "look", indicating a quick, skeptical observation.

skeptical expression

Replaces "look" with the more general term "expression", focusing on the outward sign of skepticism.

incredulous stare

Emphasizes disbelief or shock with the word "incredulous", changing "look" to "stare" to convey intensity.

wary observation

Shifts the focus to the act of observing with caution or distrust.

distrustful air

Moves away from a direct visual expression to an overall atmosphere or impression of distrust.

doubtful countenance

Uses more formal language, replacing "look" with "countenance" to refer to the face's expression.

cautious appraisal

Focuses on the careful and hesitant assessment implied by a suspicious look.

uneasy regard

Indicates a look or gaze that makes one feel uncomfortable or apprehensive.

FAQs

How can I use "suspicious look" in a sentence?

You can use "suspicious look" to describe someone's facial expression when they doubt or distrust something. For example: "She gave the stranger a "suspicious look" when he offered her a ride."

What are some synonyms for "suspicious look"?

Alternatives include "mistrustful gaze", "questionable look", or "dubious glance", which all suggest doubt or disbelief.

What's the difference between "suspicious look" and "strange look"?

"Suspicious look" implies doubt or mistrust, while "strange look" simply indicates something unusual or odd. A "suspicious look" suggests skepticism, whereas a "strange look" could mean confusion, surprise, or any number of emotions.

When is it appropriate to use "suspicious look" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to show that a character is questioning someone's motives or the truthfulness of a situation. It adds depth to character interactions and enhances the narrative's tension.