sharp stare

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp stare" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to someone giving a harsh glare or looking sternly. For example, "He gave her a sharp stare and waited for her to explain what happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Bloomberg heard the noise and halted his speech, fixing a sharp stare in Mr. Harris's direction.

The New York Times

With his tilted-back head and sharp stare, he seems to be asserting, with an edge of challenge: "I am here".

The New York Times - Arts

Do not judge them for looking unusual, and if anyone else objects to the autistic person's self-calming efforts, use your words or a sharp stare to let them know that this is unacceptable.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sharp stared into the universe and it winked back.

The Guardian - Arts

Time and again she climbed worn marble stairs to knock on heavy steel security doors, with no result other than to provoke barks from dogs, and sharp stares from neighbours.

The Economist

Our dogs would begin to clamor for dinner -- sharp stares, deep sighs, contagious grins -- and once it was time for their dinner, it was time to feed the horses and the cats and then, eventually, ourselves.

The New York Times

When the driver turned to ask where we were going, I drew a sharp breath and stared at his proud, finely sculpted nose, his skin the color of bronze silk and his dark, hooded eyes.

Huffington Post

Precise movement, which includes winding arms and footwork that makes the most of bare legs, is clipped and sharp, punctuated by glassy stares.

The New York Times - Arts

Sharp, penetrating and derisive, that stare is a ticking time-bomb, warning recipients they have mere moments to correct their behaviour before his thin string of patience snaps.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She walked up to the stage and stared at Mr. Sharp.

The New York Times - Arts

Alone in the house, he stared at the sharp blades, not knowing how to start.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp stare" to depict a character's commanding presence or to signal disapproval or warning in narrative writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "sharp stare" as a descriptor. Vary your descriptions of gazes with alternatives like "piercing gaze" or "intense glare" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp stare" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "sharp" modifies the noun "stare", indicating the intense and often penetrating nature of the gaze. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp stare" describes an intense and often intimidating gaze. Grammatically correct and usable according to Ludwig, it functions as a descriptive noun phrase, conveying disapproval, warning, or focused attention. While not exceptionally common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, consider varying your descriptions with synonyms like "piercing gaze" or "intense glare". Be cautious of overusing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

piercing gaze

Focuses on the penetrating quality of the look.

intense glare

Highlights the strong, often angry, nature of the stare.

cold stare

Emphasizes the emotionless and distant aspect of the look.

fierce look

Highlights the intensity and potential aggression in the stare.

penetrating look

Emphasizes how the gaze seems to see beyond the surface.

hard gaze

Emphasizes the firmness and unwavering nature of the stare.

steely gaze

Implies a cold, unwavering, and emotionless quality to the stare.

stern look

Highlights the serious and disapproving nature of the gaze.

drilling gaze

Implies an intense and unwavering focus, as if trying to penetrate the subject's mind.

fixed gaze

Highlights the unwavering and unblinking nature of the stare.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp stare" to describe someone giving an intense or stern look. For example, "The teacher gave the student a "sharp stare" after he interrupted the class."

What is the difference between "sharp stare" and "intense glare"?

While both phrases describe an intense look, "sharp stare" implies a sudden, piercing gaze, while "intense glare" suggests a more prolonged and often angry expression.

What can I say instead of "sharp stare"?

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

Is "sharp stare" a common phrase in English?

While grammatically correct, "sharp stare" is not as frequently used as some of its alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, but its relative infrequency suggests considering variations for stylistic purposes.