A grim look crossed Jarrod's face

[alpacinou]

I want to say someone was shocked and upset and scared when they saw something. Can I use "grim look"?

Is this okay?

Jarrod lifted the cloth and saw her wound. A grim look crossed his face but he immediately tried to hide it, smiling at her.

Is there a better way to express it?

 

[probus]

No. Have you looked up grim in a dictionary?

 

[alpacinou]

What can I use then?

 

[alpacinou]

Can I use "distressed"?

Jarrod lifted the cloth and saw her wound. A distressed look crossed his face but he immediately tried to hide it, smiling at her.

 

[Tdol]

I honestly think that grim look is OK.

 

[alpacinou]

Are both of these okay?

1. Jarrod lifted the cloth and saw her wound. A distressed look crossed his face but he immediately tried to hide it, smiling at her.

2. Jarrod lifted the cloth and saw her wound. A grim look crossed his face but he immediately tried to hide it, smiling at her.

 

[Tdol]

How about worried in the first?

 

[5jj]

... or concerned?

 

[alpacinou]

How about worried in the first?

1. Jarrod lifted the cloth and saw her wound. A worried look crossed his face but he immediately tried to hide it, smiling at her.

 

[Tdol]

That works for me.