Phrasal verb
frown at
Definition
phrasal verb. To make an unhappy or confused face while looking at someone or something. You use this when you are annoyed or thinking hard about a problem.
phrasal verb. To furrow the brow in an expression of displeasure, concentration, or confusion while directing the gaze toward a specific target. This prepositional verb is inseparable and requires 'at' to introduce the stimulus of the reaction.
Examples
“The boss frowned at the messy desk.”
“The passenger frowned at the departure board when he saw that his flight was delayed by four hours.”
“The lead researcher frowned at the unexpected data points, suspecting that the sensor had been improperly calibrated before the experiment began.”
Examples
simple
“The boss frowned at the messy desk.”
contextual
“The passenger frowned at the departure board when he saw that his flight was delayed by four hours.”
complex
“The lead researcher frowned at the unexpected data points, suspecting that the sensor had been improperly calibrated before the experiment began.”
Usage
This phrase is followed by the person or thing that causes the feeling of annoyance or confusion.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'frown on', which describes a general attitude of social disapproval toward a behavior rather than a physical look at a specific object.
Pitfall
She frowned to the letter.
She frowned at the letter.
Learners often use 'to' to show direction, but 'at' is the correct preposition to indicate the object of a facial expression.
Phrasal verb
Particles
at
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
frown + at + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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