blank gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blank gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person's expression when they appear to be staring without any emotion or thought, often indicating confusion, shock, or deep contemplation. Example: "She stood in the doorway, her blank gaze fixed on the floor, lost in her thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The blank gaze of a dubious lover is a palimpsest of the blank gaze of historical oblivion.

The New Yorker

The last images of her in captivity showed a frail, despondent woman with lank hair and a blank gaze.

The Guardian

Dawn swung her left arm forward, and cast Elmer head first into the blank gaze of the wind.

The New York Times

He had stopped hearing voices since he began taking the antipsychotics, but he had a blank gaze and spoke in a monotone; he had also gained sixty pounds.

The New Yorker

Not the top girls, they struck poses and occasionally found a spot in the middle distance to fix a hard, blank gaze.

The New York Times

In interviews, the 49-year-old politician comes across as almost robotic, reciting policy positions with a blank gaze and a frozen smile.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Slouched glumly in their seats, they regard a new teacher with the blank gazes of bored, sullen prisoners serving out their sentences.

The New York Times

He has a point-blank gaze and seems to be in motion even when he's not.

The New York Times

Under another canopy, a woman with a blank, lonely gaze sat holding a tiny baby.

The New Yorker

Cope's blank, skittering gaze and subtle phrasing present Rudolf as a succession of savage, manic and needy states, circling around a dead centre.

The Guardian

Always a bizarre man with his blank imperious gaze and his bouffant hairdo, Karadzic looks even more bizarre with his "disguise" of a heavy white beard.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blank gaze" when you want to convey a sense of detachment, shock, or deep contemplation in a character or subject. It effectively communicates a lack of engagement with the immediate surroundings.

Common error

Avoid using "blank gaze" excessively, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions with other terms like "vacant stare" or "empty look" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blank gaze" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or subject complement. Examples from Ludwig show it describing a state of being or appearance. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is valid and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blank gaze" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily functioning as a noun phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys a state of emotional detachment, confusion, or deep contemplation. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "blank gaze" maintains a neutral register, fitting various writing styles. For alternatives, consider using "vacant stare" or "empty look", but avoid overuse to prevent repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vacant stare

Focuses on the emptiness and lack of engagement in the look.

empty stare

Highlights the absence of emotion or understanding.

expressionless gaze

Emphasizes the lack of any discernible expression.

unseeing eyes

Suggests a lack of awareness or focus in the gaze.

glazed eyes

Implies a lack of focus and a slightly dazed state.

absent look

Indicates the person is mentally preoccupied or detached.

fixed stare

Highlights the unwavering and unfocused nature of the look.

deadpan expression

Shifts the focus to the overall facial expression, including the eyes.

hollow eyes

Focuses on the sunken or shadowed appearance of the eyes, suggesting emptiness.

wooden look

Implies an artificial or emotionless quality to the gaze.

FAQs

What does "blank gaze" mean?

A "blank gaze" refers to a stare that lacks expression or emotion, often indicating confusion, shock, or deep thought. It suggests a disconnection from the immediate environment.

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

You can use "blank gaze" to describe someone's expression. For example, "After hearing the news, she stared ahead with a "blank gaze"."

What are some synonyms for "blank gaze"?

Alternatives to "blank gaze" include "vacant stare", "empty look", or "expressionless gaze". These phrases convey a similar sense of detachment or lack of emotion.

Is "blank gaze" a formal or informal expression?

"Blank gaze" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone of the writing than the phrase itself.