I would gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I would gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to look steadily and intently at something, often in a contemplative or admiring manner. Example: "As the sun set over the horizon, I would gaze at the vibrant colors painting the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Every week or so I would wander into the church of Santa Maria del Carmine where I would gaze at Masaccio's frescoed masterpieces, especially the riveting "Expulsion from the Garden of Eden".

The New York Times

I would gaze into the heart of the coal fire, watching it go from a dim red glow to orange, to yellow, and blow on it with the bellows until it glowed almost white-hot.

The New Yorker

I would gaze at any number of sites connected to the EarthCam network, to see how things were getting along at Marty's Cantina in Guam, or maybe to watch those penguins at the Bristol Zoo.

The New York Times - Magazine

Anyway, each morning I would gaze upon these strange creatures while eating my Shreddies, marvelling at their exotic marbled carapaces and wondering what strange things they'd seen in their time in Africa.

The Guardian

On winter evenings, walking through the streets of the city, I would gaze into other people's houses through the pale orange light of home and dream of happy, peaceful families living comfortable lives.

The Guardian - Books

But, of course, those other feelings were always there; even when I was only a few years old I would gaze at another male lamb and think about sharing a stall, with just enough hay and maybe a nice mid-century trough.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I don't recall whether, when I watched the scene at 13, I had any sense that I'd gaze over a similar chasm someday.

The Guardian - Opinion

From its windows I'd gaze out at church towers to the west and — almost close enough to touch — the golden Dome of the Rock, reflecting the raw sun at midday and the moon at midnight.

The New York Times - Travel

One of the most touching moments in this exhaustive biography is provided not by the likes of his disciple Maupassant or long-suffering friends such as George Sand and Ivan Turgenev, but by a neighbour: "When my nanny wanted to treat me, she'd walk me past his front gate, where I'd gaze at him smoking his pipe, slouched in a large armchair.

The Guardian - Books

Periodically, I'd gaze into first to see some flight attendant kneeling to have a heartfelt face-to-face with a valued passenger.

Huffington Post

"I realised that my now husband is actually in one of the photos that I'd gazed at in the library," she says.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "I would gaze" when wanting to convey a sense of wonder or admiration in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I would gaze" excessively in scenes requiring immediate action or strong emotional responses. Opt for more dynamic verbs like "stared", "watched", or "glanced" to maintain the scene's momentum.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I would gaze" functions as a descriptive expression, conveying a past habit of looking intently at something, often with a sense of wonder or contemplation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I would gaze" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a past habit of looking intently at something, often with admiration or contemplation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and broad applicability. While versatile, it's best suited for descriptive writing and reflective narratives. Consider alternatives like "I often stare" or "I used to observe" to suit specific contexts and maintain stylistic variety. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it carries a neutral register and enhances the descriptive quality of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'd often stare

Uses "stare" to emphasize prolonged looking, and "often" to indicate frequency, instead of "would".

I used to observe

Employs "observe" suggesting a more analytical viewing habit and "used to" for a past routine.

I was inclined to watch

Replaces "gaze" with "watch" and "would" with "was inclined to", altering the sense of habitual action.

I'd habitually contemplate

Substitutes "gaze" with "contemplate", which implies deeper thought and uses "habitually" for repeated action.

I would often scrutinize

Uses "scrutinize" to suggest a more detailed and critical examination and "often" to indicate frequency.

I found myself watching

Focuses on the involuntary nature of watching, differing from the intentionality of "gaze".

I was given to staring

Replaces "would gaze" with a passive construction implying a tendency to stare.

I would frequently peer

Uses "peer" to suggest looking intently or with difficulty, and "frequently" for recurring action.

I had a habit of observing

Emphasizes the habitual nature of observing, moving away from a specific instance of gazing.

I would study

Replaces "gaze" with "study", implying a more focused and purposeful observation.

FAQs

What does "I would gaze" mean?

"I would gaze" implies a habitual or repeated action of looking steadily and intently at something, often with admiration or contemplation. It suggests a past practice of observing something with prolonged attention.

What's the difference between "I would gaze" and "I would look"?

"I would gaze" suggests a more prolonged and intent observation, often filled with admiration or thoughtfulness. "I would look" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply the same depth of attention or emotion.

When should I use "I would gaze" in my writing?

Use "I would gaze" when you want to express a sense of nostalgia, admiration, or deep contemplation while describing a past habit of looking at something. It's effective for creating a reflective or sentimental tone.

Are there alternatives to "I would gaze" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "I often stare", "I used to observe", or "I was inclined to watch", depending on the nuance you want to convey.