# frown at

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/frown-at
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She frowned to the letter." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.