gazing at something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gazing at something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of looking steadily and intently at an object or scene, often with admiration or contemplation. Example: "She stood by the window, gazing at the sunset, lost in her thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Gazing at something longingly is one thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What about?" Ransome was gazing at something on the other side of his windshield.

The New York Times - Magazine

Research has found that gazing at something green — through a window, on a walk outside, or even on a screen saver — can help improve attention and performance in the workplace.

Harvard Business Review

Thirty minutes after leaving the ranch, having driven back through Sisters and continuing 10 miles northwest up the road past the summer cabin colony of Camp Sherman, I was standing beneath tall dripping ponderosa pines gazing at something I'd never seen before: a river emerging full-grown from the side of a hill.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

(The film was left unedited and was completed and premièred in 2014). Williams—a black man who plays the role in blackface peeps through foliage to gaze at something with furtive curiosity.

The New Yorker

"She is a puzzle, gazing serenely at something we cannot see, something once held, we assume, by her missing arms," Ms Postrel said.

Independent

A young girl and an old woman watch as a blurred rider speeds by, each with their hands on their knees, gazing intently at something out of frame.

The Guardian - Arts

You can't recreate that spontaneity". The cover of the album features a ­William Eggleston image of a kid in a living room, gazing sideways at something out of view.

The Guardian - Music

The shackles at the base of the exhibit will catch your eye as Jefferson, who once wrote that "all men are created equal," gazes off at something on the horizon.

Huffington Post

What if teen-age Greg Christopher Daniel Barness), the self-styled grooviest Brady, starts gazing at his foxy stepsister, Marcia Christine Taylorr), with something beyond brotherly love?

The New York Times

I try to listen to that lesson by continuing to drive up to the retreat house regularly, stepping out of my life in order to put things in perspective, solving knotty problems by directing my gaze at something else.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gazing at something" to describe a sustained, often thoughtful or admiring look. It's more evocative than simply "looking at something".

Common error

Avoid using "gazing at something" when a simpler "looking at something" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gazing at something" functions as a verb phrase, typically part of a larger clause describing an action. It indicates the act of looking steadily and intently, often with a sense of wonder or contemplation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gazing at something" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of looking steadily and intently at an object or scene. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it finds its primary context in news and media. When writing, consider its slightly elevated tone and use it when you wish to convey more than just a simple act of looking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Looking intently at something

Emphasizes focus and concentration in looking.

Staring at something

Suggests a prolonged and unwavering look, potentially with surprise or shock.

Observing something closely

Highlights a careful and detailed examination.

Contemplating something

Implies a thoughtful and reflective gaze.

Regarding something

A more formal and detached way of saying 'looking at'.

Viewing something

Neutral and general term for seeing.

Examining something

Focuses on scrutinizing and analyzing what is being seen.

Scrutinizing something

Suggests a critical and detailed inspection.

Beholding something

An archaic term for seeing, often with awe or reverence.

Glancing at something

Implies a quick or brief look.

FAQs

How can I use "gazing at something" in a sentence?

You can use "gazing at something" to describe someone looking intently or thoughtfully at an object or scene. For example, "She was "gazing at something" in the distance, lost in thought".

What are some alternatives to "gazing at something"?

Alternatives include "staring at something", "looking intently at something", or "observing something closely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gazing at something" formal or informal?

"Gazing at something" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It's suitable for both writing and speaking, but avoid overusing it in very casual contexts.

What's the difference between "gazing at something" and "staring at something"?

"Gazing at something" often implies admiration or contemplation, while "staring at something" can suggest surprise, shock, or a more intense focus.