a good stare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good stare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a prolonged or intense look at someone or something, often implying curiosity or scrutiny. Example: "She gave him a good stare, trying to decipher his true intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Diamond Geezer has already had "a good stare".

The Guardian

Before the green light flickers locals give each other a good stare.

The Guardian - Travel

While her advice was somewhat lacking ("Just look straight forward," keep your "face poised", and "do a good stare"), Campbell's walk in action is a thing of beauty.

The Guardian

The wine world is a minefield of facts: dozens of important regions, thousands of producers, endless How to fake being a tough guy Triple H WWF wrestler First of all, you have to have a good stare.

The New York Times - Magazine

Christians believe everyone is a sweetheart and all you have to do is give them a good stare and you'll be able to see if the devil crept in.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Where did you get this sample?" I have a pretty good stare when I need it.

The New York Times - Magazine

As every medical professor knows, you just find a patient with some nice fractures and escort a gaggle of students to the bedside for a good long stare.

The Economist

With soft "pops", seals are breaking the water all around the kayaks for a good old stare, like a gang of Labrador puppies.

The Guardian - Travel

He lingered, ever so briefly, making sure to give the Yankees' celebration a good, hard stare as he walked past the mound.

The New York Times - Sports

Give it a good, hard stare.

WikiHow

To study the color of wine, hold it to your eye level and study the hue with a good, hard stare.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good stare" to describe a situation where someone is looking intently at something or someone, often to understand or assess them. Be mindful of the context to avoid conveying a negative or aggressive tone.

Common error

While "a good stare" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced terms like "intense observation" or "detailed scrutiny" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good stare" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "good" is an adjective modifying the noun "stare". It describes a particular type of look. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English, providing examples that illustrate its descriptive function.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good stare" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an intense or prolonged look. Ludwig AI validates its use, noting its prevalence in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While acceptable in various settings, it's crucial to consider the tone and avoid overuse in formal writing. Alternatives such as ""an intense gaze"" or ""a searching look"" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance and formality. When used effectively, "a good stare" can add depth and emotion to descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intense gaze

Emphasizes the intensity and focus of the look.

a prolonged look

Highlights the duration of the look.

a penetrating gaze

Conveys a sense of looking deeply and intently.

a searching look

Suggests the look is aimed at finding something specific.

a fixed gaze

Implies a steady and unwavering look.

a long hard look

Emphasizes both the duration and intensity.

an unwavering gaze

Highlights the steadiness and determination.

a close inspection

Shifts the focus to careful examination through sight.

a thorough examination

More formal, suggesting a detailed visual assessment.

a scrutinizing look

Suggests a critical and detailed visual assessment.

FAQs

What does "a good stare" mean?

The phrase "a good stare" refers to a prolonged and focused look, often implying an attempt to understand, assess, or intimidate. The intensity and purpose can vary depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a good stare" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a good stare" in descriptive writing, character development, or informal contexts where you want to convey a sense of intense observation or scrutiny. Consider alternatives like "an intense gaze" or "a searching look" for more formal situations.

What are some synonyms for "a good stare"?

Synonyms for "a good stare" include "an intense gaze", "a prolonged look", "a penetrating gaze", or "a fixed gaze". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a good stare" always positive?

No, "a good stare" is not always positive. The connotation depends heavily on the context and the intent behind the stare. It can be neutral (observational), positive (admiring), or negative (intimidating or suspicious). Consider alternatives such as "a blank stare" or "a death stare" to be even more negative.