gaze at

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaze at" is a legitimate and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can usually be used when someone is looking at or admiring something intently. For example: "John stood in awe, gazing at the stunning sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Gaze at your boxes.

The New Yorker

Gaze at the telephone.

The Guardian

And to gaze at.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Adam does not gaze at Eve.

The New York Times - Arts

They gaze at the floor.

The Guardian - Arts

They gaze at the chessboard intently.

The Guardian

Gaze at the stars, he cries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pedestrians stopped to gaze at the display.

The New York Times

Together they gaze at the night sky.

The New Yorker

She directs a sidelong, dispassionate gaze at the viewer.

The New Yorker

Cast an all-encompassing gaze at this Foucault-themed tumblr.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaze at" to describe a prolonged, often admiring, look. It's more evocative than simply saying "look at".

Common error

Avoid using "gaze at" in situations where a simple "look at" would suffice. "Gaze at" implies a deeper level of engagement or admiration, which might be inappropriate for neutral observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaze at" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "gaze" is the main verb and "at" is a preposition completing the verb's meaning. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, confirming its role in describing the act of looking steadily and intently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gaze at" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe looking intently at something, often with admiration or contemplation. Ludwig AI confirms its legitimacy and widespread use across various domains, including news, media, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "stare at", "look intently at", and "admire" exist, "gaze at" holds its unique place in conveying a sense of prolonged and thoughtful observation. Remember to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in neutral contexts where a simple "look at" would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stare at

Implies a more intense or prolonged look, sometimes with surprise or shock.

look intently at

Highlights the focus and concentration of the look.

observe carefully

Suggests a deliberate and analytical way of looking.

contemplate

Implies a thoughtful and reflective way of looking.

admire

Focuses on the positive emotion associated with looking.

behold

A more formal and literary term for looking.

peer at

Suggests difficulty in seeing clearly, requiring effort.

glance at

Refers to a quick or brief look.

scrutinize

Implies a critical and detailed examination.

watch

Suggests observing something over a period of time, often something in motion.

FAQs

What does "gaze at" mean?

"Gaze at" means to look steadily and intently, often in admiration, wonder, or thoughtfulness. It implies a prolonged and focused observation.

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

You can use "gaze at" to describe someone looking at something with deep attention. For example, "She stood on the beach, gazing at the sunset."

What are some alternatives to "gaze at"?

You can use alternatives like "stare at", "look intently at", or "admire" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "look at" and "gaze at"?

"Look at" is a general term for directing your eyes towards something. "Gaze at" implies a more prolonged and often emotional or thoughtful observation. For instance, you might "look at" a sign for directions, but you would "gaze at" a beautiful painting.