gaze across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaze across" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of looking intently at something in the distance or across a space. Example: "As she stood on the cliff, she could gaze across the vast ocean, lost in thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Revellers clink bottles and gaze across shimmering water.

The Economist

Clamber in and you gaze across a flat boxy bonnet.

The Guardian - Tech

Again, direct your gaze across the Thames to City Hall.

The Guardian

Take your cup outside and gaze across the water towards New Jersey.

The Guardian - Travel

Gaze across 20 miles of blue sea to the Taygetus mountains beyond.

The Guardian - Travel

Gaze across the cityscape and, on a clear day, out to the Magaliesberg Mountains.

Independent

At the time, James could only gaze across the court with envy.

The New York Times - Sports

I gaze across the barren sea of crushed red velvet with tightness in my chest.

The New York Times

Giovanni handed me his binoculars and guided my gaze across the hillside.

Independent

She and Paolo held the gaze, across traffic, through the windshield, as if time had gelled.

The New Yorker

Climb into a recess in the fortifications and gaze across the bay.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaze across" to create a vivid image of someone looking thoughtfully or intently at a landscape or scene.

Common error

Don't use "gaze across" when a simple "look" or "see" would suffice. This phrase implies a sense of wonder, contemplation, or significance in the act of looking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaze across" primarily functions as a verb phrase combined with a preposition, indicating the act of directing one's sight over a specific area. It's often used to describe a sustained, thoughtful look, supported by Ludwig examples showing diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Travel

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gaze across" is a versatile and commonly used expression that combines a verb and a preposition to describe the act of looking thoughtfully or intently over a distance. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and offers diverse examples from reliable sources, primarily in News & Media and Travel contexts. The phrase implies more than simple observation; it suggests a sense of wonder, contemplation, or appreciation for the view. Alternatives like "look out over" or "stare across" can be used to adjust the nuance, but "gaze across" remains a strong choice for depicting a deliberate and meaningful visual experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look out over

Focuses on the direction of sight, implying a broader view.

stare across

Emphasizes a prolonged, intense look.

peer over

Suggests looking with difficulty or curiosity, often implying a barrier.

survey the expanse

Highlights the act of examining a wide area.

scan the distance

Implies a systematic search across a far-off area.

overlook

Focuses on having a view from a high position.

contemplate the view

Adds a sense of thoughtfulness to the act of looking.

command a view of

Indicates that a location offers a strategic viewing point.

take in the scenery

Highlights the aesthetic aspect of the view.

behold the panorama

Emphasizes the grandeur and completeness of the view.

FAQs

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

Use "gaze across" to describe someone looking thoughtfully or intensely at a distance. For example: "She would "gaze across the river" towards New York and dream of being a young woman."

What can I say instead of "gaze across"?

You can use alternatives like "look out over", "stare across", or "survey the expanse" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "gaze across" or "look across"?

"Gaze across" implies a more thoughtful, prolonged look than "look across". Use "look across" for simple observation and "gaze across" when there's a sense of wonder or contemplation.

What's the difference between "gaze across" and "peer over"?

"Gaze across" suggests a serene or thoughtful observation of a distant vista, while "peer over" often implies effort, curiosity, or difficulty in seeing, typically over an edge or barrier.