looking steadily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking steadily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of gazing or observing something with focus and concentration over a period of time. Example: "She was looking steadily at the painting, trying to decipher the artist's intent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And that picture is looking steadily worse.

The Economist

The girls asked no questions about where we were going, each looking steadily out the back windows, the journey brief enough that the lack of conversation did not feel strange.

The New Yorker

However, with security deteriorating and the economy failing to perform to its potential, the record of Mr Bouteflika's first two terms is looking steadily less impressive, and there are some indications that powerful figures in the military and political establishment are looking for an alternative preferably someone who will take a more resolute line on AQIM.

The Economist

Certain sitters do stand out: the self-possessed child keenly focused on Hockney, sketchbook in his lap like a rival young artist; the big form of Bing McGilvray, who appears three times, easy in his chair and in the artist's company, his generosity shining through; Hockney's sister Margaret, looking steadily back at her brother as he works.

The Guardian - Arts

Keep your head looking steadily at the ball even after making contact for better balance.

WikiHow

Looking steadily into a dog's eyes is not recommended.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

She looked steadily at the floor.

The New York Times

He looked steadily at our bicycles.

The New York Times - Travel

She looked steadily at Mrs Sowerby.

The Guardian - Books

But the double standard looks steadily less defensible today.

The Guardian

Now she looked up at Hannah and they looked steadily into each other's eyes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking steadily" to describe a focused and unwavering gaze, particularly when emphasizing the duration or intensity of the observation. For example, "She was looking steadily at the horizon, searching for any sign of land."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "looking steadily" can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "looking closely" or "watching carefully" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking steadily" functions as a verb phrase combined with an adverb, modifying the verb to describe the manner of looking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and describes the action of observing with focus and concentration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking steadily" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe focused and unwavering observation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, its usage across various sources like The New Yorker and The Guardian suggests its appropriateness in neutral to formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "gazing intently" or "watching attentively" for different shades of meaning. Be mindful of its formality and avoid overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gazing intently

Replaces "looking" with "gazing" and "steadily" with "intently", suggesting a more focused and absorbed observation.

staring fixedly

Uses "staring" instead of "looking" and "fixedly" instead of "steadily", implying an unwavering and intense gaze.

observing consistently

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the observation, replacing "steadily" with "consistently".

watching attentively

Highlights the care and attention given to the act of watching, making it more about engagement.

progressing gradually

Shifts the focus from observation to advancement, implying a slow but consistent development.

developing incrementally

Similar to "progressing gradually", but emphasizes small, steady steps in development.

advancing uniformly

Highlights a consistent and even rate of progress, replacing the observational aspect with a focus on forward movement.

maintaining focus

Focuses on the act of keeping one's attention directed, omitting the direct act of looking.

remaining observant

Emphasizes a state of continuous attentiveness and readiness to notice something.

keeping watch

Implies a sense of vigilance and monitoring, rather than simple observation.

FAQs

How can I use "looking steadily" in a sentence?

You can use "looking steadily" to describe someone observing something with focus and without wavering. For example: "He was "looking steadily" at the evidence, trying to find a clue."

What are some alternatives to "looking steadily"?

Alternatives include "gazing intently", "staring fixedly", or "watching attentively", each conveying a slightly different nuance of focused observation.

Is "looking steadily" formal or informal?

"Looking steadily" leans towards the formal side. In casual contexts, phrases like "looking closely" or "watching closely" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "looking steadily" and "looking briefly"?

"Looking steadily" implies a sustained gaze, while "looking briefly" suggests a short or fleeting glance. The key difference lies in the duration of the observation.