a fixed stare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fixed stare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone looking intently or unblinkingly at something or someone, often indicating focus or intensity. Example: "She had a fixed stare as she listened to the speaker, completely absorbed in the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It isn't just a fixed stare.

The New York Times - Science

"He was zombielike and had a fixed stare," Mr. Beck said.

The New York Times

Eyes wide open in a fixed stare at the ceiling, he lay motionless.

The New Yorker

A fixed stare of infinite sadness is clouding Hef's enormously sexy and virile face.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now he was stoic, with a fixed stare, hellbent on moving earth.

The New Yorker

At top left, a fixed stare signals concentration; at top right, a furrowed brow signals confusion; at bottom right, a raised brow signals enjoyment; and at bottom left, a wrinkled nose bridge may signal disgust.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Her specialties including getting a dog to do an intense fixed stare (for Moose she would brandish cheese on a stick just off screen), while Mr. von Muller has an array of moves that Uggie used in "The Artist".

The New York Times

And the president, with an equally fixed stare on his legacy, will be impatient to get things done.

BBC

Vincenzo looked at us with a kind of fixed stare, smiling complacently, as if he had painted it himself".

The Guardian - Books

And Mr. Chatagny -- a novice actor whose own life supposedly provides much of the film's material -- gives him the fixed stare and dreamy smile of a natural voyeur, a blank slate waiting to be written upon.

The New York Times

Although the stark beauty of Bob Crowley's set design, depicting a shadowy stone hall set off against a sky of pure blue, made for striking and simple tableaus, the fixed stare of the camera at an actor's face could become wearying.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fixed stare" to effectively depict a character's intense focus, shock, or detachment in narrative writing. Ensure the context clarifies the specific emotion or state being conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "a fixed stare" when you intend to describe a fleeting glance. The term implies a sustained, unwavering gaze, not a brief look.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fixed stare" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of gaze characterized by its immobility and intensity, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fixed stare" is a noun phrase used to describe an unwavering gaze, often indicative of intense focus, shock, or detachment. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of a sustained, unwavering gaze. Consider alternatives like "an unwavering gaze" or "an intense gaze" for nuanced expression. "A fixed stare" conveys a specific visual and emotional state, making it a valuable tool in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unwavering gaze

Replaces 'fixed stare' with 'unwavering gaze', emphasizing the steadiness of the look.

a steady gaze

Similar to 'unwavering gaze', but uses 'steady' to highlight the stability of the look.

an unblinking gaze

Highlights the lack of blinking, emphasizing the intensity of the stare.

an intense gaze

Focuses on the intensity rather than the fixed nature of the stare.

a blank stare

Emphasizes the lack of emotion or understanding in the stare.

a vacant look

Highlights the emptiness or lack of awareness in the gaze.

a glazed look

Suggests a dreamy or unfocused quality to the stare.

a penetrating gaze

Implies a sharp, insightful quality to the stare.

a thousand-yard stare

Specifically denotes a detached, unfocused gaze often associated with trauma.

a hypnotic stare

Suggests a captivating or mesmerizing quality to the stare.

FAQs

How to use "a fixed stare" in a sentence?

You can use "a fixed stare" to describe someone's intense focus, shock, or detachment. For example, "He had "a fixed stare" as he watched the scene unfold".

What can I say instead of "a fixed stare"?

You can use alternatives like "an unwavering gaze", "a steady gaze", or "an intense gaze" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a fixed stare" or "fixed stare"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a fixed stare" is more common as it uses the article 'a' to describe the noun phrase. Using "fixed stare" without the article is less frequent but can be acceptable in certain contexts.

What does "a thousand-yard stare" mean, and how is it different from "a fixed stare"?

A thousand-yard stare specifically refers to a blank, unfocused gaze often associated with trauma or shock. "A fixed stare" is a broader term that can describe any sustained, unwavering look, not necessarily linked to trauma.