staring intently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "staring intently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone looking at something with great focus or concentration. Example: "She was staring intently at the painting, trying to decipher the artist's hidden message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mortar and Lectern were staring intently at Zanna.

The New York Times

"Let's see," Mr. Lawrence replied, staring intently into the distance.

The New York Times

When she looked up, sometime later, she found Jay staring intently across the room.

The New Yorker

The lifeguard up on his tower was staring intently at something with his oversized binoculars.

The New Yorker

I noticed, however, that Eliot was staring intently at Matilda as she ate.

The New York Times

Much of my footage consists of team members walking or staring intently at the ground.

The New York Times

A dark room full of foreign soldiers, staring intently at computer screens?

The Washington Post

Henderson was standing by the mantelpiece, staring intently at the two little black books which he held in his hand.

Stanford University

One of them sits opposite the cellist, Mr. Finckel, staring intently, vanquished by the music.

The New York Times

The player sits at the computer, barely breathing, staring intently at the screen.

The New York Times - Tech

"Which poster do you like?" he asks Stallone, who is staring intently at the pictures.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "staring intently" to depict a character's focused attention, curiosity, or suspicion. This phrase is suitable for both descriptive and narrative contexts.

Common error

While "staring intently" is effective, overusing it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "gazing intently" or "observing closely" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "staring intently" functions as a verbal phrase describing the manner in which someone is looking. It emphasizes the focus and concentration of the gaze. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "staring intently" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to depict a concentrated gaze. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the examples from diverse sources like The New York Times and The Guardian showcase its versatility. While its primary context is news and media, the phrase also appears in academic settings. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms like "gazing intently" or "observing closely" to avoid repetition. Remember, while impactful, avoid overusing "staring intently" to keep your writing engaging and varied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observing keenly

Replaces "staring" with "observing" and "intently" with "keenly", focusing on the act of careful observation.

gazing intently

Substitutes "staring" with "gazing", implying a prolonged and focused look.

watching closely

Replaces "staring intently" with a more general term for careful observation.

scrutinizing closely

Replaces "staring intently" with a term suggesting detailed examination.

examining closely

Similar to scrutinizing but emphasizes a more formal or investigative observation.

studying intently

Implies a focused observation aimed at understanding or learning something.

riveted gaze

Uses a noun phrase to describe the act of staring with fascination or absorption.

fixed stare

Emphasizes the unwavering nature of the gaze.

piercing gaze

Conveys a strong and penetrating look.

absorbed observation

Highlights the state of being completely engrossed in what is being observed.

FAQs

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

You can use "staring intently" to describe someone's focused gaze, for example: "She was "staring intently" at the computer screen, trying to debug the code."

What are some alternatives to "staring intently"?

Alternatives include "gazing intently", "observing closely", or "scrutinizing closely" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "staring intently" or "looking intently"?

"Staring intently" and "looking intently" are similar, but "staring" suggests a more fixed and unwavering gaze. "Looking intently" implies a more active search or observation.

What does "staring intently" imply about a character's emotions?

"Staring intently" can suggest curiosity, suspicion, concentration, or even shock. The specific emotion depends on the context of the scene.