attentive gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

"attentive gaze" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is looking intently or carefully at something. For example, "He cast an attentive gaze across the room, looking for his lost keys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

She fixed the tutors, while they were talking, with a steady, critical, attentive gaze.

The New Yorker

Mr. Tibbs continued to keep a vigil at Kevin's side, often reading to the boy from the Bible, and delighting in his belief that his son's smile and attentive gaze meant that he understood the words.

The New York Times

Leicester City, on the other hand, offered the prospect of an extended winter in the East Midlands but presented the chance to cut a dash in one of Europe's top divisions, right under the attentive gaze of Arsenal.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather, to understand her own identity she needs to be in the attentive gaze of others — as the psychologist D. W. Winnicott puts it, "When I look I am seen, so I exist".

The New Yorker

They almost never break free from an attentive gaze that comes with constant critique and comparison.

Huffington Post

Proximity has allowed me to confirm what I had already felt in our previous conversation, that this loquacious woman with an attentive gaze has a profound knowledge of the Cuban reality.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In person, she is smiley and attentive, gazing at me wide-eyed as I ask my questions – and this is pleasing at first.

The Guardian

The angel smiled a quiet, attentive smile, gazed fixedly at me with his elongated diamond eyes.

The New Yorker

It was moving slowly, and the driver's-side window was wound down, so Eva could see that it was Martha, her hair damp from the drifting snow, her face attentive as she gazed across the green toward the trees by the church.

The New Yorker

His gaze is attentive and friendly.

The New Yorker

Boruff fidgets with her vest; Edwards' gaze is attentive but discrete.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "attentive gaze" to draw attention to a specific detail or focal point, highlighting its importance within the narrative.

Common error

While "attentive gaze" is a vivid descriptor, avoid using "gaze" repeatedly in a single passage. Vary your language with synonyms like "look", "stare", or "glance" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attentive gaze" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "attentive" modifies the noun "gaze". It describes the quality or manner of looking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable, and the examples show its usage in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attentive gaze" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe a focused and careful manner of looking. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the provided examples illustrate its use in various contexts, particularly in descriptive writing within the News & Media and Science domains. While "attentive gaze" is not overly formal, it's best used when a more vivid and specific description is desired. Consider alternatives like "careful gaze" or "observant gaze" to avoid repetition and ensure variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

careful gaze

Emphasizes the cautious and deliberate nature of the look.

observant gaze

Highlights the quality of noticing and being aware of details in the look.

focused look

Stresses the concentration and lack of distraction in the look.

intense stare

Conveys a strong and unwavering quality of the look, possibly with an emotional charge.

watchful eye

Suggests a sense of vigilance or monitoring in the gaze.

scrutinizing gaze

Implies a critical and thorough examination through the look.

searching look

Focuses on the act of looking for something specific.

penetrating stare

Suggests a gaze that seems to see beyond the surface.

studious look

Implies that the gaze is analytical and focused, like that of someone studying.

concentrated gaze

Highlights the degree of mental effort put into looking.

FAQs

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

You can use "attentive gaze" to describe how someone is looking, for example: "The student fixed an attentive gaze on the teacher during the lecture."

What are some alternatives to "attentive gaze"?

Some alternatives include "careful gaze", "observant gaze", or "focused look", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "attentive gaze" formal or informal?

"Attentive gaze" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in descriptive writing and less so in everyday conversation.

What does it mean when someone gives you an "attentive gaze"?

An "attentive gaze" suggests that someone is listening to you or observing something carefully, showing interest and engagement. It usually implies they are focused on the present moment.