sharp gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp gaze" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone's intense or focused look. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as describing a person's expression, behavior, or reaction. Example: She fixed him with a sharp gaze, her eyes narrowing in suspicion as she waited for his explanation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Hyder is a small man, very thin, with hooded eyes and a sharp gaze.

The Guardian

' " David Sambol, a fine-featured, dark-haired man with a sharp gaze, was Mozilo's lieutenant in this expansion.

The New Yorker

By the time Crystal Shawanda closed out the show (with the original drum kit restored), there was barely anyone left on the floor to meet her sharp gaze.

The New York Times - Arts

"The Decline of the American Empire" has some of the stylish ferocity of Restoration comedy, with the director's sharp gaze pinning his characters in place like so many colorful insects.

The New York Times

Under the pressure of North's sharp gaze and remarkably lucid prose, novelty turns out to be more familiar and yet more surprising than we had known it to be.

University of Chicago

Growing up under the sharp gaze of a critical mother, I learned it wasn't safe to be myself.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Hidden eyes in the corridor open slowly to reveal a razor-sharp gaze.

The Guardian - Books

Since the late 1980s, they have trained their laser-sharp gaze on everything from the big banks of Frankfurt, to the geometric headquarters of Nato and Unesco, to the sprawling panopticon penitentiaries of the US and international courts of justice – as well as Osama bin Laden's house in Afghanistan.

The Guardian - Arts

Their diamond-sharp gaze, hardened by years of brute toil under Santa's yoke and whip, cruelly pierces the giftwrap and peers with disdain at the turd within.

Vice

That piercing gaze".

The New Yorker

He is an intense child, with a sharp, scrutinizing gaze, and his frankness can be almost cruel.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp gaze" to depict a character's intelligence, suspicion, or intense focus in a scene. It's particularly effective when paired with other descriptive details to build a vivid image.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp gaze" excessively when characters are engaged in conversation. Focus instead on varying descriptions of facial expressions and body language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp gaze" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to depict the quality of someone's look. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. As seen in the examples of Ludwig, it helps to convey a sense of scrutiny, intelligence, or focus attributed to an individual.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp gaze" is a correct and usable phrase to describe someone's intense or focused look. It is categorized as an adjective phrase + noun and has a neutral tone making it adaptable to various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability, as illustrated by its frequent appearance in News & Media. To enhance your writing, consider using "sharp gaze" to vividly depict a character's focus, suspicion, or intelligence, while avoiding overuse in dialogue-heavy scenes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense stare

Emphasizes the fixity and intensity of the look.

penetrating look

Highlights the ability of the gaze to see beyond the surface.

piercing gaze

Suggests a gaze that is sharp and can feel invasive.

keen observation

Shifts focus from the eyes themselves to the act of observing sharply.

scrutinizing gaze

Implies careful and critical examination through looking.

discerning look

Focuses on the ability to understand or judge well through looking.

analytic eye

Highlights an approach to analyze something from the observation.

focused expression

The concentration in the face features.

observant manner

It shows the attribute to be very observant.

watchful eye

It's a gaze where there is a lot of attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp gaze" to describe someone who is looking intently or with great focus. For example, "The detective fixed the suspect with a sharp gaze".

What can I say instead of "sharp gaze"?

You can use alternatives like "intense stare", "penetrating look", or "piercing gaze" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to have a "sharp gaze"?

A "sharp gaze" suggests that someone is looking intently, observantly, and often critically. It implies a focused and perceptive way of looking at something or someone.

Is "sharp gaze" the same as "sharp look"?

While similar, "sharp gaze" specifically refers to the way someone is looking, emphasizing the intensity and focus of their eyes. "Sharp look" can be more general and might include other aspects of facial expression.