gaze up

USAGE SUMMARY

'gaze up' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person looking upwards at a particular object, person, or scenery. For example, "He gazed up into the night sky, awed by the twinkling stars above him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We gaze up in amazement.

The New Yorker

I still gaze up at these places.

The New York Times

Every day they could gaze up and contemplate the words.

The New Yorker

Huddled beneath a construction scaffold I gaze up at towers of masonry and glass.

The New York Times - Arts

Because everyone in security will rush outside to gaze up at Snoopy, that's how.

The New Yorker

Gaze up to see novelist Danielle Steel's grandiose 55-room limestone mansion at 2080.

Independent

Anyone walking underneath who happened to gaze up would simply mistake them for bits of wood.

The Guardian - Travel

This delights our boys as they gaze up at bears towering over them.

The Guardian - Travel

From the 56th-floor Patio lounge, gaze up at the dizzying spiral of rooms.

The New York Times - Travel

You follow his gaze up fir- and pine-clad scarps to 10,000ft peaks.

The Guardian - Travel

As it stands, riders can do little more than gaze up and wonder.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the simple act of looking above, "look up" is a more simple choice. "Gaze up" suggests a deeper, more contemplative action.

Common error

Avoid using "gaze up" when a simpler term like "look up" suffices. "Gaze up" implies a prolonged, thoughtful look, so it's best reserved for situations where the act of looking upward is significant or evokes a particular emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "gaze up" functions as an intransitive verb indicating the act of directing one's sight upwards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe looking at stars, buildings, and people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "gaze up" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the action of looking upwards, often with a sense of awe or wonder. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While simpler alternatives like "look up" exist, "gaze up" is particularly effective when emphasizing contemplation or admiration. As seen in Ludwig's examples, this phrase frequently appears in News & Media and can be found in scientific or wiki contexts as well. Its usage ranges from describing the observation of celestial objects to appreciating architectural marvels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look upwards

Emphasizes the direction of the look.

look up

A more concise way to express looking in an upward direction.

peer up

Suggests a closer or more intent look upward, often implying difficulty in seeing.

glance upward

Implies a quick look upward.

stare up

Indicates a prolonged and fixed gaze upward.

raise one's eyes

Focuses on the action of lifting the eyes to look upwards.

lift one's gaze

Highlights the act of elevating one's sight.

view from below

Emphasizes the perspective of looking upwards from a lower position.

observe from underneath

Focuses on observing something from a position directly below it.

contemplate the heights

Suggests a thoughtful observation of something tall or high above.

FAQs

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

You can use "gaze up" to describe someone looking upwards, often with admiration or wonder. For example, "They "gazed up" at the towering skyscrapers." or "She "gazed up" at the stars in the night sky.

What's the difference between "gaze up" and "look up"?

"Gaze up" implies a longer, more contemplative look, often filled with wonder or awe. "Look up" is a more general term for directing your eyes upwards without necessarily implying deep thought or emotion. Using "look up" is a simple choice for the simple act of looking above.

What are some alternatives to "gaze up"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "look upwards", "peer up", or "stare up".

Is it appropriate to use "gaze up" in formal writing?

Yes, "gaze up" is appropriate in formal writing, but consider the tone you wish to convey. If you want to suggest admiration or a sense of wonder, it's suitable. If you simply need to describe someone looking upwards, "look up" may be more appropriate.