wary look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wary look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that shows caution or suspicion, often in response to a situation or person. Example: "She gave him a wary look when he approached her too quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Sean cast David a wary look.

The New Yorker

She darted me a wary look.

The New York Times - Magazine

On one visit, I was asked, with a wary look: "Have you tried our food before?

The New York Times - Food

She gives me a wary look, and stresses that she didn't write them.

The Guardian

He has a cleft chin, good hands, and a wary look of being about to spring away from dangerous situations.

The New Yorker

"You have a number for her?" Chris gave me a wary look, as if he knew something I didn't.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Yet investors remain wary, looking for signs of meaningful change before committing new funds.

The New York Times

Passersby cast wary looks at a bunch of men lurking outside the entrance to the Hathazari madrasa.

The Guardian

They don't exchange doe eyes either, but rather the wary looks of two people who clearly care about each other, but don't have enough energy to add anything but: What now?

The New York Times - Arts

I even got on some rides, garnering wary looks from parents in waiting lines as I was pretty much the only adult in the park with no kids in tow – one carrying around a laptop bag, no less.

TechCrunch

"At that, the loser, both incredulous and wary, looked up.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wary look" to subtly convey suspicion or caution in a character or situation without explicitly stating it. It's a good way to add depth to your writing by showing, not telling.

Common error

Avoid using "wary look" when you mean someone simply looks tired or fatigued. "Wary" implies caution and suspicion, not just weariness. For tiredness, use phrases like "tired eyes" or "weary expression".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wary look" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. It modifies a noun (often a person) to indicate they possess an expression characterized by caution, distrust, or apprehension. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it's used to add detail to character descriptions and situational context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wary look" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to depict caution or suspicion in one's expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct. It appears commonly in News & Media but also in more informal contexts. When writing, ensure that the context genuinely reflects caution rather than simple tiredness. Alternatives like "cautious gaze" or "suspicious glance" can add nuanced variations. The phrase’s versatility and descriptive power make it a valuable tool for writers aiming to add depth and subtlety to their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautious gaze

Emphasizes the act of looking with caution.

suspicious glance

Highlights the element of suspicion in the look.

guarded expression

Focuses on the overall facial expression conveying a sense of being guarded.

distrustful stare

Suggests a more intense and prolonged look of distrust.

apprehensive gaze

Indicates a look filled with anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

skeptical look

Emphasizes doubt and questioning in the look.

doubtful glance

Highlights uncertainty and disbelief in the look.

hesitant gaze

Suggests a look of uncertainty and reluctance.

uneasy expression

Focuses on the discomfort and anxiety conveyed in the facial expression.

circumspect observation

More formal and emphasizes careful and cautious watching.

FAQs

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

You can use "wary look" to describe a facial expression that shows caution or suspicion. For example, "She gave him a "wary look" when he approached her too quickly."

What's the difference between "wary look" and "suspicious glance"?

"Wary look" implies a general sense of caution, while "suspicious glance" specifically suggests a lack of trust or belief.

What are some alternatives to "wary look"?

You can use alternatives like "cautious gaze", "guarded expression", or "skeptical look" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wary look" formal or informal?

"Wary look" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various writing styles.