look intently

USAGE SUMMARY

"look intently" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone directing their gaze with great concentration. For example, "She looked intently at her opponent before making her next move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I look intently for signs of pain but there are none.

The Guardian - Travel

They look intently at themselves as they fix oversize white bows, meant to symbolize purity, in their hair.

The New York Times

I just look, intently and uncontrollably, drawn in by an omnipresent world of online real estate listings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In "Studying American History" a group of them look intently at a Native American classmate wearing deerskin and a headdress.

The New York Times - Arts

In a grainy extreme close-up, Mishima's eyes look intently at the photographer while a rose is pressed to his nose.

The New York Times - Arts

In a virtual classroom, for instance, you might want to program your avatar to appear to sit up straight and look intently at the professor — even as you slouched or looked around the room.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

He looked intently at the band.

The New Yorker

The others looked intently at their beers.

The New Yorker

Phil Jarratt looked intently into my face.

The Guardian - Travel

He looked intently, saying the names of each person.

The New York Times

On the plane, I looked intently for other Saga clients.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look intently" to convey a sense of focused observation and concentration. This phrase is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone giving their full attention to something.

Common error

Avoid using "look intently" when a more casual observation is intended. The intensity of the phrase can be inappropriate if the context suggests a more relaxed or brief glance is all that is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look intently" functions as a verb phrase, where 'look' is the main verb and 'intently' is an adverb modifying the verb. As shown in Ludwig, it describes the manner in which someone is looking.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "look intently" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes focused observation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in English writing. The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media" and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. To enrich your writing, consider alternatives such as "gaze intently" or "observe closely". Be mindful of using "look intently" only when appropriate, as its intensity may not suit casual observation scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaze intently

Emphasizes a steady, unwavering look, often implying admiration or deep thought.

stare intently

Suggests a prolonged and direct look, potentially conveying surprise or rudeness depending on the context.

observe closely

Highlights careful and detailed examination, often for a specific purpose.

scrutinize carefully

Implies a critical and thorough examination, often looking for flaws or errors.

study intently

Focuses on examining something with the intention of learning or understanding.

watch closely

Emphasizes vigilance and attentiveness, often to anticipate or prevent something.

examine closely

Similar to 'observe closely' but suggests a more formal or scientific approach.

peer intently

Suggests difficulty in seeing, implying straining to look carefully.

contemplate deeply

Focuses on thoughtful consideration, which may or may not involve visual observation.

ponder carefully

Implies a mental weighing of options or possibilities, not necessarily visual.

FAQs

What does "look intently" mean?

"Look intently" means to look at something with great focus, concentration, and purpose. It suggests a desire to understand or perceive something clearly.

How can I use "look intently" in a sentence?

Example: "She "looked intently" at the map, trying to find the hidden treasure."

What are some alternatives to "look intently"?

You can use alternatives such as "gaze intently", "stare intently", or "observe closely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "look intently"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate in situations where a casual glance would suffice. Using "look intently" might suggest an unnecessary level of intensity or suspicion if the context doesn't warrant it.