gaze off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaze off" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered standard.
It can be used to describe someone looking away or staring into the distance, often lost in thought or daydreaming. Example: "As she listened to the lecture, her mind began to wander, and she found herself gazing off into the distance."

News & Media

Arts

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Some simply gaze off into space searching for inspiration.

The New York Times

Piercing green eyes gaze off into the distance.

The Washington Post

Even when the negotiations moved slowly, the Yankees never took their gaze off Giambi.

The New York Times - Sports

Under a prominent brow and a broad, brightly lit forehead, the eyes, baggy and shaded, gaze off into the distance.

The Guardian - Books

Washington's blue eyes gaze off into the distance with the look of man not to be toyed with.

The Washington Post

When he reaches his pride rock atop the stairs, he shall stop and gaze off in any random dingy direction.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Mr. Sakai gazed off.

The New York Times

He gazes off into the distance.

The Guardian - Music

Jones sneered winningly and gazed off into the middle distance.

The Guardian

"Girl stands in expensive clothes, gazes off into the distance".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When he talks about the 70s, he talks slower, gazing off towards the sewing machines.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaze off" to describe a character's internal state or reaction to their environment, adding depth to your narrative.

Common error

While acceptable, "gaze off" might seem too informal for academic or professional contexts. Opt for a more neutral term like "look away" or "stare into the distance" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "gaze off" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase, describing an action performed by the subject. It indicates the act of directing one's gaze away, often implying thoughtfulness or distraction, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "gaze off" describes the act of looking away, often suggesting thoughtfulness or distraction. While Ludwig AI considers it acceptable, it is more common in informal contexts and narratives than in academic or professional writing. Alternatives like "look away" or "stare into space" can be used in more formal situations. The frequency of "gaze off" is uncommon, primarily appearing in News & Media and Arts sources, as highlighted by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look away

Focuses on the action of diverting one's eyes, less specific about the direction.

stare into space

Emphasizes a vacant, unfocused look, often associated with deep thought or boredom.

look into the distance

Highlights the act of directing one's gaze far away, suggesting observation or longing.

daydream

Shifts the focus from the visual act to the mental state of being lost in thought.

be lost in thought

Completely removes the visual aspect, concentrating solely on the mental absorption.

drift off

Implies a gradual detachment from the present moment, either mentally or visually.

zone out

Suggests a temporary mental disengagement, often in response to boredom or stress.

become distracted

Highlights the interruption of focus, rather than the direction of gaze.

lose focus

Emphasizes the inability to concentrate, without specifying the visual behavior.

contemplate

Focuses on deep thinking

FAQs

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

You can use "gaze off" to describe someone's action of looking away, often lost in thought. For example: "She would often "gaze off" into the distance during the lecture."

What are some alternatives to "gaze off"?

Depending on the context, you could use "look away", "stare into space", or "look into the distance" as alternatives to "gaze off".

Is it correct to say "gaze off into space"?

Yes, "gaze off into space" is a common and acceptable usage. It emphasizes the unfocused nature of the gaze and the possibility of daydreaming or contemplation.

What does it mean when someone "gazes off"?

When someone "gazes off", it typically means they are looking away, usually in a thoughtful or distracted manner. It suggests a temporary disengagement from the immediate surroundings.