gaze through the window

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaze through the window" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
Example: As the rain poured down outside, Sarah sat in her bedroom and gazed through the window, lost in thought.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Darcy's gaze through the window works as a movie screen, projecting Elizabeth's actions for him and the viewer.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Pedestrians on Broadway in this area can stumble upon an Ivy League university or gaze through the windows of Tom's Restaurant, of "Seinfeld" fame.

The New York Times

All his life he was the passer-by gazing through the window at the gently lit drawing-room and the happy family inside.

The Guardian - Books

In the final shot, Pam and her son find themselves in the Buick once again, facing backward, gazing through the window at the road behind.

The New Yorker

I remember her gazing through the window on the way back from Wales, having many sad epiphanies about the nature of her time there.

The Guardian - Travel

In a large painting rendered in delicate shades of jade-green ink by Enomoto Chikatoshi, a young woman in a sensible, Western-style dress gazes through the window of a public aquarium at swimming fish.

The New York Times - Arts

It must have crossed MacLeod's mind, as he sat gazing through the window of his second home, maintained with the earnings of distant classrooms, that he has something in common with those foreigners.

The New York Times - Books

The same recipe had worked, on a majestic scale, with "Once Upon a Time in America," where the movie's most plaintive theme was touched off not just by an old man gazing through the window of his boyhood hangout but also by one of his friends, filmed as a kid, scooping cream from a charlotte russe.

The New Yorker

A couple of moments found her score-bound, but the voice itself, engulfing in its beauty and power, sounds devastating in this music, and the great scenes were wonderfully realised: the mixture of pride, desperation and self-loathing as Kostelnička prepares to kill Jenůfa's child was terrifying in its veracity; the vision of death gazing through the window froze your marrow.

The Guardian - Music

She also gazes through the window at the Roman sculptures in the garden.

Wikipedia

At this point, Jacob is nourished by both my overt interaction with him, and by witnessing my own comfortable privacy: with a book, gazing through the window, or writing this post with the laptop screen turned so he can't see it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaze through the window" to convey a sense of quiet observation and reflection, rather than a hurried or focused look. The phrase works well in descriptive writing where you want to evoke a mood of introspection or longing.

Common error

Avoid using "gaze through the window" when you mean a quick glance or a focused search. "Gazing" implies a prolonged, somewhat unfocused look. Use "look", "glance", or "peer" for more precise descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaze through the window" functions primarily as a verb phrase describing an action. It depicts a visual interaction with the outside, implying a prolonged, often thoughtful, look. Ludwig's examples show its usage in various narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gaze through the window" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to describe someone looking out of a window, often with a sense of contemplation or longing. Its register is neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts, including news and media. While alternatives exist, such as "look out the window" or "stare out the window", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. Remember to reserve the phrase for moments of prolonged, thoughtful observation, and avoid it when describing quick glances or focused searches. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig highlight its versatility and descriptive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look out the window

A more general term for directing one's sight out of a window, lacking the implied contemplation of "gaze through the window".

stare out the window

Implies a fixed and prolonged look, often suggesting boredom or deep thought, adding intensity not present in "gaze through the window".

peer through the window

Suggests looking intently, often with difficulty or curiosity, adding a sense of scrutiny not in "gaze through the window".

glance out the window

A quick, fleeting look, lacking the sustained attention implied by "gaze through the window".

observe through the window

More formal and detached, implying a careful and systematic watching, unlike the more casual "gaze through the window".

view the scene through the window

Focuses on the scene being viewed rather than the act of looking, adding emphasis on the visual experience.

contemplate the world outside the window

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness and reflection associated with looking outward, a deeper level of engagement than simply "gaze through the window".

survey the landscape through the window

Suggests a broad and comprehensive look at the surroundings, adding a sense of overview absent in "gaze through the window".

watch the world pass by from the window

Highlights the dynamic movement of the outside world relative to the stationary observer, emphasizing the passage of time and events.

admire the view beyond the window

Adds an element of appreciation and aesthetic enjoyment to the act of looking, implying that the scene is pleasing or beautiful.

FAQs

How can I use "gaze through the window" in a sentence?

You can use "gaze through the window" to describe someone looking thoughtfully or wistfully outside, for example: "Lost in thought, she would often "gaze through the window" at the falling rain."

What's the difference between "gaze through the window" and "look out the window"?

"Gaze through the window" implies a more contemplative or wistful observation, while "look out the window" is a more general and neutral description of directing one's sight outside.

Is "gaze through the window" formal or informal language?

"Gaze through the window" is considered neutral to slightly formal. The verb "gaze" adds a touch of elegance compared to more common verbs like "look" or "stare".

What are some alternatives to "gaze through the window"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "stare out the window" for a fixed look, "peer through the window" for an intense look, or "glance out the window" for a quick look.