curious stare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curious stare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's gaze that shows interest or inquisitiveness about something or someone. Example: "She caught his curious stare as he observed her from across the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Upon sensing my curious stare, she answered my unasked question.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He stood very erect, avoiding curious stares.

The New Yorker

At moments, the gaggle of strangers drew curious stares.

The New York Times

You're all heroes.' " He drew curious stares, of course.

The New York Times

They are accustomed to standing out in a crowd, commanding a room and absorbing curious stares.

The New York Times - Sports

The insurgents' curious stares are mixed with worried smiles as they go about their morning tasks.

Independent

I have to explain what I do for a living, and that explanation can lead to some very curious stares.

The New York Times

Most residents and business owners waved, while others gave only curious stares.

The New York Times

Only the children, always curious, stared in wonder at all the new things.

The New Yorker

Years ago, American joggers attracted curious stares; now, Italians are "footing" everywhere.

The New York Times - Magazine

In truth, these lovelies must provoke many more curious stares on the bus to the television studio.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curious stare" to vividly depict a character's interest or confusion, adding depth to descriptions.

Common error

Be mindful of the context in which you use "curious stare". Ensure it doesn't imply unwanted attention or intimidation, which can be misconstrued. Clarify with additional details if needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curious stare" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "curious" modifies the noun "stare". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "curious stare" effectively describes a gaze filled with interest or inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly within news and media. While versatile, writers should be mindful of potential misinterpretations, ensuring the context clarifies the intent behind the stare. Alternative phrases like "inquisitive gaze" or "interested look" can add nuance, but "curious stare" remains a vivid and reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquisitive gaze

Emphasizes the inquisitive nature of the look.

interested look

Highlights the interest shown in the stare.

intrigued expression

Focuses on the feeling of intrigue conveyed by the stare.

searching gaze

Suggests the stare is looking for something specific.

probing look

Implies the stare is trying to uncover something.

scrutinizing gaze

Indicates a detailed and careful examination.

wondering glance

Conveys a sense of awe and curiosity.

bemused observation

Captures a state of puzzled amusement.

speculative look

Implies the stare is considering possibilities.

questioning gaze

Highlights the questioning aspect of the stare.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "curious stare" in a sentence?

To effectively use "curious stare", place it in contexts where someone is observing something with interest or slight bewilderment. For example, "She met his "curious stare" with a smile, knowing her unusual outfit had caught his attention."

What are some alternatives to "curious stare" that I can use to vary my writing?

You can use alternatives like "inquisitive gaze", "interested look", or "intrigued expression" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "curious stare" and a "blank stare"?

Yes, a "curious stare" implies interest or inquiry, while a "blank stare" suggests a lack of understanding or engagement. They convey opposite emotional states and should be used accordingly.

When is it appropriate to use "curious stare" in descriptive writing?

Use "curious stare" when you want to highlight a character's interest, confusion, or slight suspicion. It's particularly effective when describing initial reactions or observations in a scene.