held your gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held your gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone maintains eye contact with another person, often implying intensity or connection. Example: "As we stood across the room, I felt a spark as our eyes met and held your gaze for what felt like an eternity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The way he held your gaze let this be known.

The New Yorker

I don't think he was a white supremacist, but to me, he had an almost neo-Nazi appearance; he held your gaze for too long, and those blue eyes were chilling.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He holds your gaze while he talks, sometimes with an intense, John the Baptist-like stare.

Independent

Both are frank, collected presences, with eyes that hold your gaze.

The Guardian - Film

But Olsen's quaver holds your gaze, using her vibrato for effect, not whining or crumbling.

The Guardian - Music

And Mr. Farrell and Mr. Doyle continue to hold your gaze, even as Mr. Jordan's screenplay sets your mind to wandering.

The New York Times

The show's many figure studies can hold your gaze just as well, even when they're faceless.

The New York Times - Arts

She was a grave and silent little person with the disconcerting habit of holding your gaze unblinkingly, as if you had nothing in common.

The New Yorker

"Then there's the bull's-eye picture — a profile shot where you feature the better eye, the strong eye that holds your gaze, at the center.

The New Yorker

Her soprano can be a delicate and ghostly thing... but Olsen's quaver holds your gaze, using her vibrato for effect, not whining or crumbling".

The Guardian - Music

Amid all the luxuries on display in the Italian film "I Am Love" — the chandeliers, tapestries and paneled walls, the paintings, statuary and white-gloved servants — nothing holds your gaze as forcefully as Tilda Swinton's alabaster face.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing prolonged eye contact, consider the context. Too much eye contact can be interpreted as aggressive or unsettling, while too little can seem evasive or disinterested.

Common error

Avoid using "held your gaze" in situations where a softer, more casual interaction is intended. It's better suited for scenarios where the eye contact is deliberate and meaningful, not just polite.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held your gaze" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes an action where someone maintains direct eye contact with another person. Ludwig examples show it used to describe everything from sincere connection to potentially intimidating behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "held your gaze" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of maintaining eye contact, often implying a sense of intensity or connection. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears commonly in news and media, as well as in more informal wiki contexts. While the register is generally neutral, the specific intent can vary widely based on the context. Because sustained eye contact can signify sincerity, challenge, or even discomfort, writers should carefully consider the nuances of the situation when using "held your gaze". Alternatives like "maintained eye contact" or "locked eyes with you" can offer subtle shifts in meaning. Be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation, and use "held your gaze" to add depth and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

locked eyes with you

Implies a strong, often sudden and intense, connection when gazes meet.

maintained eye contact

Focuses on the act of keeping visual connection without necessarily implying intensity.

riveted your gaze

Suggests holding someone's attention in a fixed manner, unable to look away.

kept your attention

Shifts the focus to holding someone's attention rather than direct eye contact.

fixed you with a stare

Highlights the act of staring intently at someone.

captured your attention

Emphasizes the initial grabbing of attention through a look.

attracted your stare

Focuses on drawing someone's intense observation.

met your eyes

Highlights the act of encountering someone's gaze.

returned your stare

Indicates responding to someone's gaze by staring back.

engaged your vision

Focuses on actively involving someone's sight or attention visually.

FAQs

How can I use "held your gaze" in a sentence?

You can use "held your gaze" to describe a moment of intense eye contact, such as "He "held her gaze", trying to convey the depth of his feelings without uttering a word."

What are some alternatives to "held your gaze"?

Some alternatives include "maintained eye contact", "locked eyes with you", or "captured your attention", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "held your gaze" formal or informal?

The phrase "held your gaze" is generally considered neutral in register. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and situation.

What does it mean when someone "holds your gaze"?

When someone "holds your gaze", it usually implies that they are making deliberate and sustained eye contact with you. This can suggest a variety of emotions or intentions, such as interest, challenge, sincerity, or even intimidation.