gaze forward to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaze forward to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It implies looking or staring into the future with anticipation or hope. Example: "As she stood on the edge of the cliff, she gazed forward to all the exciting possibilities that lay ahead of her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Turning their gaze forward to the verses following ("There was no water for the congregation…"), they describe the well that followed the Israelites through the wilderness, providing them with water, given specifically through her merit.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Writing a research plan casts your gaze forward and prompts you to begin planning for when you have your own laboratory.

Science Magazine

The accurate gaze forward is what the judges have to embody; it's been done before, but it's going to be quite a challenge.

Independent

In conjunction with this behavioral finding, the FG responded with the greatest activation to face and gaze forward, perhaps reflecting the unambiguous social salience of congruent face and gaze directed toward the viewer.

NeuroImage

Raise your arms to the ceiling and gaze forward.

WikiHow

Finally, raise your arms to the ceiling and gaze forward.[11].[11]

WikiHow

One passage is set to Debussy's "Nuages"; all six dancers gaze forward in a tableau; then, as a new woodwind chord sounds, the women, seated, turn their heads in profile while the men look down at them.

The New York Times - Arts

So we're casting our gaze forward here".

The New York Times - Sports

The heads with exposed glassy eyes gaze forward with intense purpose.

The New York Times - Arts

The event-related design allowed for concurrent behavioral analysis, which revealed a significant effect of both head and gaze orientation on the speed of gaze processing, with the face and gaze forward condition showing the fastest reaction times.

NeuroImage

The down-and-leather pillow behind my head gently cushions my skull, and I gaze forward through narrowed eyes, nearly asleep now in the whisper-quiet cabin.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gaze forward to", ensure the context involves a sense of anticipation or thoughtful consideration of the future. It's not merely looking; it's looking with intent.

Common error

Avoid using "gaze forward to" in situations that require a simple, non-contemplative 'look'. The phrase implies a deeper, more intentional focus on the future, so using a simpler term like "look" might be more appropriate if the situation doesn't necessitate that added layer of meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaze forward to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a visual action ("gaze") directed towards the future. As Ludwig explains, this suggests a thoughtful anticipation or contemplation of what's to come, adding depth beyond a simple observation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gaze forward to" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of thoughtfully anticipating or contemplating the future. While Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct, it is relatively rare. It appears most frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, implying a neutral-to-slightly-formal register. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize a deeper, more intentional look into what's coming, rather than just a simple act of seeing. Consider alternatives like "look ahead to" or "anticipate with excitement" if a more common or emotionally charged expression is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look ahead to

Focuses on future anticipation, replacing "gaze" with a more common verb.

anticipate with excitement

Emphasizes the feeling of excitement while awaiting something.

expect eagerly

Highlights the eagerness in expectation, diverging from the visual aspect.

await with anticipation

Stresses the act of waiting with positive expectations.

contemplate the future

Shifts focus to thoughtful consideration of what is to come.

envision the prospects of

Emphasizes visualizing potential outcomes.

foresee with optimism

Highlights optimistic prediction.

look towards the horizon of

Replaces "gaze" with "look" and uses horizon metaphorically.

project your sight into

Uses more technical language to describe directing one's vision.

cast your eyes on the future

More poetic and figurative alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "gaze forward to" in a sentence?

You can use "gaze forward to" when you want to express looking into the future with a sense of anticipation or thoughtful consideration. For example: "As she stood on the mountain, she gazed forward to the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead."

What can I say instead of "gaze forward to"?

You can use alternatives like "look ahead to", "anticipate with excitement", or "expect eagerly" depending on the context.

Is "gaze forward to" the same as "look forward to"?

"Gaze forward to" implies a more intense, thoughtful, or visionary consideration of the future, whereas "look forward to" is a more common and general expression of anticipation or pleasure about something that will happen in the future.

When is it appropriate to use "gaze forward to" instead of a simpler phrase like "look at"?

Use "gaze forward to" when the context requires a sense of deep contemplation, anticipation, or visionary perspective regarding future events or possibilities. If the action is just a simple act of seeing, "look at" or another simpler phrase would be more appropriate.