gaze around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaze around" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone looking around at their surroundings. Example sentence: As I entered the room, I paused to gaze around and take in the beauty of the decor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

You gaze around the room.

The Guardian - Opinion

We stopped often to gaze around us.

The New York Times - Travel

He stood up and swept his gaze around the site.

The New Yorker

Some greet familiar faces; others gaze around with disdain.

The Guardian

At the summit, we brace ourselves against the icy blast and gaze around.

The Guardian

Inside, he casts his gaze around and says he remembers it well.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Kirsten gazed around the room.

The New York Times

He gazes around.

The Guardian - Film

Gazing around the room, he considered his career.

The New Yorker

"I wish I weren't going," she said, gazing around.

The New York Times

He gazes around him at the sea of blond hair.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaze around" when you want to convey a sense of gentle observation or admiration of the surroundings.

Common error

Avoid using "gaze around" excessively in action-oriented scenes. Opt for more dynamic verbs like "scan" or "search" to maintain the pace.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaze around" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, describing the act of looking around without a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The verb "gaze" is modified by the adverbial particle "around", indicating the direction of the gaze.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gaze around" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the action of looking around, often with a sense of appreciation or contemplation. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, but also appears in Wiki and Science sources. While "look around" is a more general alternative, "gaze around" adds a layer of thoughtfulness to the act of observing one's surroundings. Using "gaze around" effectively involves considering the pace of the narrative and avoiding overuse in fast-moving scenes. It's a valuable phrase for setting a scene or conveying a character's emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look around

Focuses on the action of directing one's sight in various directions; a more general term.

scan the area

Implies a more systematic and purposeful examination of the surroundings.

sweep one's gaze

Implies a broad, encompassing look at everything around.

survey the scene

Suggests a comprehensive overview of a particular place or event.

observe the surroundings

Emphasizes a more attentive and thoughtful consideration of what's nearby.

take in the view

Highlights the aesthetic aspect of looking around, focusing on the visual appeal.

cast one's eye

A more formal and literary way of saying to look around.

peer about

Suggests looking around with difficulty or uncertainty.

contemplate the setting

Emphasizes thoughtful consideration of the environment.

scrutinize the vicinity

Indicates close and critical examination of the area

FAQs

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

You can use "gaze around" to describe someone looking at their surroundings, often with a sense of wonder or contemplation. For example, "She paused to gaze around the beautiful garden".

What's a more formal alternative to "gaze around"?

A more formal alternative could be "survey the scene" or "observe the surroundings", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "gaze around" instead of "look around"?

"Gaze around" implies a more leisurely and appreciative observation compared to the more general action of "look around". Use "gaze around" when you want to suggest a sense of wonder or contemplation.

What words are often used with "gaze around" to add detail?

Common words used with "gaze around" include adverbs like "wistfully", "dreamily", or "curiously", as well as prepositional phrases specifying the location, such as "gaze around the room" or "gaze around the landscape".