worried glance

USAGE SUMMARY

"worried glance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically refers to a quick or brief look or gaze that conveys concern or anxiety. Example: As the doctor delivered the test results, Sarah couldn't help but steal a worried glance at her husband, hoping to find reassurance in his expression.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Ms. Lawless shot a worried glance over her shoulder.

The New York Times

She made a clucking noise and threw me a worried glance when she recognized its cover.

The New York Times - Books

Diffo cast a worried glance at Wolfe, who was watching from the side.

The New Yorker

"Not every day," she assured Ms. Mushinskaya, who had cast a worried glance in her direction.

The New York Times

"Why didn't you confuse him with Chris Hayes?" The crowd murmured in agreement as the cherubs exchanged a worried glance.

The New Yorker

The owner, Luigi Muto, greeted us with a warm smile and a worried glance over his shoulder.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Catherine and I exchanged worried glances as our daughter immediately turned to the audience and announced "I can do ballet".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But as he spoke, they shifted awkwardly in their seats and exchanged worried glances as the scale of the Glasgow disaster sank in.

Independent

While the anguished political establishment in Spain is stealing worried glances abroad, it is paying little heed to its domestic public.

The New York Times

They ordered a round of vodka shots and erupted in Highland cheers, drawing worried glances from patrons hovering over sweet multicolored cocktails at nearby tables.

The New York Times - Travel

You watch the accident unfold alongside Mother, who busily chops herbs with a big blade in her darkened shop while casting worried glances at Do-joon as he goofs off across the street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worried glance" to subtly convey a character's inner feelings of concern or apprehension without explicitly stating their emotions. This technique is effective in creating tension and engaging the reader's imagination.

Common error

Avoid using "worried glance" when a stronger expression of fear or panic is more appropriate. It's a subtle cue, and overusing it can dilute its impact. Use stronger terms for high-stakes situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worried glance" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a specific type of look, conveying concern or anxiety. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing characters' reactions and inner states.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worried glance" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey concern or anxiety through a quick look. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective, and its subtle nature allows for effective character development in writing. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, this expression is both versatile and widely understood. Remember to use it to subtly express concern and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious look

Replaces "glance" with "look", emphasizing a general expression of anxiety rather than a fleeting observation.

nervous look

Replaces "worried" with "nervous", emphasizing the feeling of unease and agitation in the expression.

concerned gaze

Substitutes "glance" with "gaze", suggesting a more prolonged and thoughtful expression of worry.

anxious peek

Combines "anxious" with "peek", conveying both the worry and the quick, furtive nature of the look.

fearful peek

Replaces "worried" with "fearful" and "glance" with "peek", highlighting the element of fear and a quick, furtive look.

apprehensive glimpse

Substitutes "worried" with "apprehensive" and "glance" with "glimpse", indicating a brief and uneasy observation.

troubled gaze

Replaces "worried" with "troubled" and "glance" with "gaze", highlighting the internal distress reflected in the look.

uneasy stare

Substitutes "worried" with "uneasy" and "glance" with "stare", suggesting a prolonged and uncomfortable observation.

hesitant look

Replaces "worried" with "hesitant", emphasizing the cautious and uncertain nature of the look.

doubtful look

Replaces "worried" with "doubtful", implying uncertainty and skepticism in the expression.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "worried glance" in a sentence?

Use "worried glance" to subtly indicate a character's concern or anxiety without explicitly stating it. For instance, "She cast a worried glance at the darkening sky, hoping the storm would pass quickly."

What are some alternatives to "worried glance" that I can use in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "anxious look", "concerned gaze", or "fearful peek" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "worried glance" and a "concerned glance"?

While both convey concern, "worried glance" typically suggests a more immediate sense of anxiety or unease, whereas "concerned glance" can imply a more general or thoughtful form of care.

Can "worried glance" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "worried glance" is appropriate for use in formal writing, including news reports and academic papers, as it is a standard and widely understood expression.