timid look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "timid look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys shyness, fear, or hesitation. Example: "She cast a timid look at the crowd before stepping onto the stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a way it's as paradoxical as its subject: a big, lusty but surprisingly timid look at the bold pioneers and profiteers who ravaged nature to build a nation.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

She beckoned to a timid looking 15-year-old girl wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt.

The Guardian

"The other people, they looked timid, they look shy in appearing before reporters — they only gave their version to certain very selective, biased media," Mr. Ho said.

The New York Times

There is the deception, like a timid-looking data entry clerk who turns out to be spy.

The New York Times - Sports

It is nominally the story of the sexual entanglement between Y (Kim Tae Yeon), an 18-year-old schoolgirl, and J Lee Sang Hyunn), a timid-looking sculptor in his late 30's.

The New York Times

Young Jeezy came out to rap his verse, and he was just one of Drake's many guests for the night: Birdman on "Money to Blow"; a timid-looking Francis of Francis and the Lights on the regretful "Karaoke"; Mack Maine on "Every Girl"; and Tyga on the buoyant "Bedrock".

The New York Times - Arts

If you're that fussed about smoking just nick a 'rollie' off of a timid-looking student type as they're always up for giving away their disgusting hampers of dried-out tobacco and their foul, execrable liquorice papers.

Vice

It's a sign of how powerful the political voodoo protecting health spending remains that even such a timid step looks dramatic.

The Guardian

With a general election due in the next few months, this timid government looks unlikely to defang a venomous law, even as a scintilla of hope shows for poor Rimsha.

The Economist

The garnish -- and a gimlet should have it (it's green water without one) -- is a thin crescent moon of lime, floated in the drink invitingly, not perched on the side like a timid swimmer looking at a cold lake.

The New York Times - Style

Senate Democrats look timid in comparison.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "timid look" to subtly convey a character's emotional state, particularly in descriptive writing. It's effective for showing vulnerability or uncertainty without explicitly stating it.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "timid look" to describe characters during dialogue. Instead, vary descriptions with actions or different emotional cues to keep the writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "timid look" functions as a noun phrase where "timid" modifies "look". It serves to describe the nature or quality of a person's gaze or expression, conveying shyness, fear, or a lack of confidence. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showing that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "timid look" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, though not very common. It is used to describe an expression that conveys shyness, fear, or a lack of confidence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, with a neutral register and is most frequently found in News & Media. While there aren't a large number of examples, the existing ones support its correct usage in descriptive writing to effectively portray a character's emotional state. When using this phrase, consider varying your descriptions to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shy glance

Focuses on the brief and hesitant nature of the look.

nervous expression

Highlights the anxiety and unease conveyed in the facial expression.

apprehensive gaze

Emphasizes the worry and anticipation of something negative.

hesitant stare

Focuses on the pause and uncertainty in the way someone is looking.

fearful gaze

Emphasizes the presence of fear in the expression.

bashful gaze

Highlights shyness and self-consciousness.

cautious glance

Implies a careful and wary observation.

self-conscious expression

Indicates awareness of oneself and discomfort or awkwardness.

submissive demeanor

Indicates an attitude of deference and a lack of assertiveness.

unassertive gaze

Highlights a lack of confidence and a reluctance to make strong eye contact.

FAQs

What does "timid look" mean?

A "timid look" describes a facial expression that conveys shyness, fear, or a lack of confidence. It suggests a hesitant or apprehensive way of looking at someone or something.

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

You might say, "She cast a "timid look" at the interviewer, unsure of her answers" or "He gave a "timid look" around the crowded room, feeling overwhelmed."

What are some alternatives to "timid look"?

You can use alternatives like "shy glance", "nervous expression", or "apprehensive gaze" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone "has a timid look"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to say someone "has a timid look". It suggests that shyness or apprehension is a consistent characteristic of their expression.