I gaze upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I gaze upon' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe someone looking at something intently or with admiration. Example: "As I stood at the top of the mountain, I gazed upon the breathtaking view of the valley below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I gaze upon the roast.

The New Yorker

Quotes an 18th century poet who wrote of Niagara Falls: "My brain grows wild, my senses wander, as I gaze upon the hurrying waters..."....

The New Yorker

Quotes an 18th century poet who wrote of Niagara Falls: "My brain grows wild, my senses wander, as I gaze upon the hurrying waters..."...

The New Yorker

I gaze upon those who place style over comfort in these scenarios with a feeling that is a mix of 10% admiration and 90% bewilderment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

" 'Te spectum, suprema mihi cum venerit hora, Et teneam moriens deficiente manu.' It means, 'May I gaze upon you when my last hour has come, and, dying, may I hold you with my weakening hand.' " "That's lovely," the man said.

The New Yorker

By Mark Strand The New Yorker, January 3, 1977 P. 26 I gaze upon the roast View Article By Phil Klay By Troy Patterson By John Cassidy By Amy Davidson Sorkin.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

At 12, I gazed upon a trans woman as we piled out of a taxi on Oxford Street one evening in Sydney.

The Guardian - Books

As I gazed upon the 38 shirts spilling out of drawers and hanging all around my room, the words of a brilliant letter to the Guardian rang in my ears.

The Guardian

I'll never forget what he said to me as I gazed upon that magical, surprisingly dark stage full of actors sitting in chairs looking at me: "Son, turn around".

The New Yorker

From the heights of the 35-story white building, my wife, Carolina, and I gazed upon an otherworldly cityscape of red brick factories, gleaming postmodern high rises, sprawling tenements, luxurious residential towers and neon-lighted motels.

The New York Times - Travel

I hadn't expected at age 49 to be asking once again, "Who am I?" As the plane descended through a cloudless sky, I gazed upon my old neighborhoods, the catastrophes of my youth as familiar to me as if I had just watched them on YouTube.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of "I gaze upon" and use it when a more elevated or literary tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "I gaze upon" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I gaze upon" functions as a verb phrase, where "gaze" is the main verb indicating a focused and often admiring way of looking. "Upon" acts as a preposition, further specifying the object of the gaze. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I gaze upon" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a focused and often admiring way of looking at something. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is prevalent in news and media sources, lending a Neutral tone to the expression. While "I gaze upon" can effectively convey a sense of contemplation or wonder, be mindful of its somewhat elevated register and avoid overuse in informal settings. Consider alternatives such as "I look at" or "I observe" for more casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I look at

This is the most direct and simple alternative, lacking the formality of "gaze".

I observe

This alternative offers a more neutral and less intense way of saying you are looking at something.

I regard

A more formal alternative to 'look at' or 'consider'.

I behold

A more formal and literary alternative, implying a sense of wonder or awe.

I feast my eyes on

This alternative implies a strong sense of pleasure and appreciation in looking.

I survey

Suggests a comprehensive or panoramic view, often from a high vantage point.

I contemplate

Implies a more thoughtful and deliberate act of looking, often with a focus on understanding.

I take in

Suggests absorbing the details of what is being viewed.

I admire

Focuses on the positive feelings associated with looking at something.

I stare at

Indicates a fixed and intense look, which can be neutral or even slightly negative.

FAQs

How can I use "I gaze upon" in a sentence?

Use "I gaze upon" to describe looking at something with admiration or intent, as in "I gaze upon the sunset each evening".

What can I say instead of "I gaze upon"?

You can use alternatives like "I look at", "I observe", or "I behold" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I gaze upon"?

It is most appropriate in formal writing or when trying to create a sense of awe or wonder. Avoid using it in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "I gaze upon" and "I look at"?

"I gaze upon" implies a more intense and prolonged look, often with a sense of admiration, while "I look at" is a more neutral and general term.