a blank stare

USAGE SUMMARY

"a blank stare" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone is not reacting or responding to something that has been said or done. For example: "John gave his boss a blank stare when he was asked to work overtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A blank stare.

The New York Times

"It's like a blank stare".

The New Yorker

A blank stare from the waitress.

The New Yorker

Then, usually, you got a blank stare.

The New Yorker

He responds with a blank stare.

The Economist

Few, however, respond with a blank stare.

The Economist

Neither got anything but a blank stare.

The Guardian - Travel

I got a blank stare from him.

The New York Times

Most responded with a blank stare.

The New York Times - Books

The likely response will be silence or a blank stare.

The New York Times

The colleague, Steve Cordes, gave his friend a blank stare.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, consider adding details about the situation or context to amplify the impact of the "blank stare". What event triggered it? What does it reveal about the character's inner state?

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a blank stare" as a shortcut to depict a character's reaction. Vary your descriptions with other facial expressions and body language to create a more nuanced and engaging portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a blank stare" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a specific facial expression indicating a lack of comprehension, emotion, or reaction, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a blank stare" is a common noun phrase used to describe a facial expression characterized by a lack of understanding, emotion, or reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is very high, primarily appearing in News & Media sources. When writing, consider using alternative expressions like "a vacant look" or "an expressionless face" to add nuance to your descriptions. Be mindful of overuse and vary your depictions of character reactions to create a more engaging narrative. The phrase effectively conveys a character's internal state and is suitable for both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vacant look

Focuses more on the visual aspect of the face and its emptiness of expression.

an expressionless face

Highlights the absence of any discernible emotion or reaction on the person's face.

a glazed expression

Implies a lack of focus or awareness, as if the person is looking through something rather than at it.

a non-responsive gaze

Emphasizes the lack of reaction or acknowledgement from the person's eyes.

a deadpan expression

Suggests a deliberate attempt to maintain a neutral or emotionless facade.

a deer-in-the-headlights look

Conveys a sense of shock, confusion, and helplessness.

a look of incomprehension

Directly indicates that the person is unable to understand what is happening or being said.

a thousand-yard stare

Implies a deep, unfocused gaze, often associated with trauma or shock.

a passive countenance

Highlights the inactivity and lack of engagement in the person's facial expression.

a wooden visage

Suggests an artificial or unnatural lack of emotion, as if the person's face is stiff and unyielding.

FAQs

How can I use "a blank stare" in a sentence?

You can use "a blank stare" to describe someone's reaction when they are confused, shocked, or lacking understanding. For example: "When asked about the missing files, he responded with "a blank stare"."

What does "a blank stare" typically indicate?

"A blank stare" usually suggests a lack of comprehension, emotional response, or engagement. It can also imply shock, confusion, or even boredom.

What are some alternative phrases to "a blank stare"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a vacant look", "a glazed expression", or "an expressionless face", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is "a blank stare" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a blank stare" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, as it is a common and widely understood expression. Its effectiveness depends on the context and the desired tone of your writing.