wary glance

USAGE SUMMARY

"wary glance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a glance that conveys caution or suspicion. For example, "She cast a wary glance at the unfamiliar man walking towards her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We just don't have much in common," he said with a wary glance around him.

The New York Times

Each arrival is greeted with a round of handshakes and a wary glance at our camera.

The Guardian

"He gave me one of those Wynton compliments," Delmond complains, casting a wary glance over his own release party.

The New Yorker

"We believe in the simple life," Mr. Kagarise said, casting a wary glance around his living room.

The New York Times - Arts

Her image was captured by a security camera as she ran down Queens Boulevard, casting a wary glance over her shoulder.

The New York Times

Seismologists worried about the prospect of a massive earthquake in the shadow of the Himalayas, where it could devastate cities such as Kathmandu and Delhi, have long cast a wary glance at an eerily calm region called the central seismic gap.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

People in each apartment now cast wary glances in the direction of the other.

The New York Times

"O.K.," the man said, nodding, though his apprehensive smile and wary glances suggested otherwise.

The New York Times

Once a borderline star known for his strength, athleticism and high-flying dunks, Martin now inspires wary glances over his temper and his questionable attitude.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite the air of unease and wary glances, when George cranks up a phonograph, and the disco song "Ring My Bell" pours out, you're happily, goofily hooked.

The New York Times

Young Palestinian men carrying semiautomatic rifles cast wary glances upward as they cursed two American-made Apache helicopters patrolling overhead against a pale blue sky.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wary glance" to convey a sense of caution or suspicion in a concise manner. This phrase is effective when describing someone's initial reaction to an unfamiliar or potentially threatening situation.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "wary glance" to depict caution. Vary your descriptions with alternative phrases like "suspicious look" or "guarded gaze" to add depth and nuance to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wary glance" is to act as a noun phrase, where "wary" modifies the noun "glance". It describes the type of look someone gives, emphasizing caution or suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wary glance" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to describe a look characterized by caution or suspicion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English. It finds its primary application in News & Media, serving to convey a sense of watchfulness or distrust. While alternative phrases such as "cautious look" or "suspicious gaze" may offer subtle variations in meaning, "wary glance" remains a concise and effective way to depict a guarded visual assessment. When using this phrase, be mindful of over-repetition and consider diversifying your descriptive vocabulary to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautious look

Replaces "glance" with "look", indicating a slightly more prolonged observation.

suspicious gaze

Substitutes "wary" with "suspicious" and "glance" with "gaze", implying a stronger sense of distrust and a more intent observation.

distrustful look

Similar to "suspicious gaze", emphasizing lack of trust.

guarded look

Emphasizes the protective aspect of the observation, suggesting a shielding of emotions.

apprehensive look

Highlights the anxiety or fear associated with the observation.

careful observation

Shifts from a quick look to a more deliberate and mindful act of watching.

hesitant gaze

Highlights the reluctance or uncertainty behind the visual assessment.

circumspect gaze

Implies a very cautious and prudent assessment, often considering all possible outcomes.

doubtful look

Focuses on the skepticism or disbelief conveyed in the expression.

uneasy look

Emphasizes the discomfort or anxiety associated with the observation.

FAQs

How can I use "wary glance" in a sentence?

You can use "wary glance" to describe someone's cautious or suspicious look. For example: "She cast a "wary glance" at the stranger approaching her."

What can I say instead of "wary glance"?

You can use alternatives like "cautious look", "suspicious gaze", or "distrustful look" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "wary glance" or "weary glance"?

"Wary glance" implies caution or suspicion, while "weary glance" suggests tiredness. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "wary glance" and "anxious glance"?

A "wary glance" suggests caution and mistrust, while an "anxious glance" indicates worry or nervousness. The former focuses on potential threats, the latter on personal unease.