staring at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "staring at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of someone looking intently and directily at something. For example, "Sheila was just standing there, staring at the painting in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CLAY: Staring at you?

The New Yorker

Staring at me.

The New York Times

"Everyone was staring at me".

The New York Times - Sports

"Stop staring at me". "Sorry".

The New Yorker

She is staring at him.

The New Yorker

I am staring at Ray.

The New Yorker

staring at its black.

The New Yorker

Adams sat staring at them.

Stanford University

"I kept staring at the clock".

The New York Times

I'm currently staring at a monkey.

Independent

I thought, staring at him with horror.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "staring at" to describe a sustained and direct gaze, particularly when conveying surprise, confusion, or intense focus. For example, "He was staring at the screen in disbelief" emphasizes the intensity of his reaction.

Common error

While "staring at" is effective, repeatedly using it in dialogue tags (e.g., 'She said, staring at the floor') can become monotonous. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like 'glancing', 'observing', or focusing on other non-verbal cues to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "staring at" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase. It describes an action that is ongoing, often emphasizing the intensity or duration of the gaze. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes the action of looking intently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "staring at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase to describe the action of looking intently. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most often in news and media, academic texts, and wiki content. While generally neutral in register, it is crucial to consider the social context to avoid implications of rudeness. Alternatives such as "gazing at" or "observing" can provide nuanced variations. Using "staring at" effectively involves understanding its descriptive power and avoiding repetitive use in dialogue tags.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking intently at

Adds emphasis to the focus of the gaze, making it more descriptive.

fixed gaze on

Suggests an unwavering and concentrated look, emphasizing intensity.

gazing at

Implies a prolonged and often admiring look, differing in emotional connotation.

watching closely

Highlights the careful observation of something, altering the manner of looking.

riveted on

Highlights being completely focused and unable to look away, emphasizing fascination.

observing

Focuses on watching something carefully for a specific purpose, changing the intent.

peering at

Implies looking closely or with difficulty, often to see something not easily visible.

eyeing

Implies watching or observing cautiously and subtly, modifying the approach.

contemplating

Suggests deep thought while looking at something, adding a cognitive aspect.

glancing at

Indicates a brief or quick look, contrasting with the sustained attention of "staring at".

FAQs

How can I use "staring at" in a sentence?

You can use "staring at" to describe someone looking intently at something. For example, "She was staring at the painting, lost in thought."

What are some alternatives to "staring at"?

You can use alternatives like "gazing at", "observing", or "looking intently at", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "staring at"?

While generally acceptable, "staring at" can imply rudeness or invasiveness if used to describe someone's behavior towards another person without their consent or in a context where it's unwelcome. Consider the social implications of prolonged, direct gazing.

What's the difference between "staring at" and "looking at"?

"Looking at" is a general term for directing one's gaze, while "staring at" implies a more intense, prolonged, and often surprised or focused gaze. For example, you might "look at" a menu, but you would be "staring at" a surprising headline.