stern gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stern gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or intense look that conveys authority or disapproval. Example: "The teacher's stern gaze silenced the rowdy students in an instant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A stern gaze.

Independent

She had a high hairdo and the stern gaze of a hanging judge.

The New Yorker

The vender had the stern gaze that is characteristic of Salafis, and he wore his beard full.

The New Yorker

Under his boss's stern gaze and imperious tutelage he starts to acquire a work ethic and a sense of discipline.

The New York Times

"We have your promise, man-to-man, that you won't go ashore, right?" one official asked, with a stern gaze, adding a warning about sharks circling the islands.

The New York Times

At the end of his long book, after a lifetime spent studying and conducting Bach's choral works, Gardiner finally has the courage to return that stern gaze.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Those stern gazes and hard pins are one giveaway.

The New York Times

Squirming under the stern gazes of these stereotypical Irish scolds who fawn over the local priest, James detests his new country.

The New York Times

Every minute or so, several tough-as-shit horses raced by with stern gazes and pendulous junk, hauling tourists in buggies shaded by faded cloth canopies.

Vice

I called every local Vietnamese restaurant I could find a number for in search of some wang, and even learned their word for it, but was met with nothing but stern gazes (I assume) and curtly shouted denials.

Vice

The exhibition, O mais profundo é a pele ("The most profound is the skin"), explores the sociocultural context surrounding these tattoos, from the people who wore them to the physicians who recorded them with such a stern sociological gaze.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stern gaze" to describe a look that communicates authority, disapproval, or seriousness. It's particularly effective when depicting characters in literature or describing figures in historical contexts.

Common error

While "stern gaze" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Variety in describing expressions can make your writing more engaging. Consider alternatives like "serious look" or "intense stare" to prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stern gaze" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying an implied subject (e.g., "His stern gaze"). It provides information about the nature of the look, emphasizing its severity or seriousness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stern gaze" is a commonly used expression that effectively communicates a sense of seriousness, disapproval, or authority through a person's look. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, as well as encyclopedic sources. While useful, it's important to avoid overusing it and to consider alternatives like "serious look" or "intense stare" to maintain variety in your writing. The phrase functions as a descriptive noun phrase with a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe look

Replaces "gaze" with "look" while maintaining the sense of severity.

serious stare

Substitutes "gaze" with "stare", emphasizing the intensity of the look.

disapproving look

Focuses on the feeling conveyed by the gaze.

piercing stare

Highlights the intensity and penetrating quality of the look.

cold stare

Emphasizes the lack of warmth in the expression.

reproachful gaze

Specifically indicates that the gaze is expressing disapproval or blame.

authoritative look

Indicates a look conveying power and control.

firm gaze

Highlights the resoluteness of the gaze.

unyielding stare

Emphasizes the steadfast and uncompromising nature of the look.

intense look

Focuses on the high degree of concentration or emotion in the look.

FAQs

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

You can use "stern gaze" to describe someone's look when they are serious or disapproving. For example, "The teacher's stern gaze silenced the students" or "She fixed him with a stern gaze, conveying her disappointment".

What are some synonyms for "stern gaze"?

Alternatives to "stern gaze" include "severe look", "serious stare", or "disapproving look". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does a "stern gaze" usually indicate?

A "stern gaze" typically indicates seriousness, disapproval, or authority. It's a look that suggests the person is not pleased and may be ready to take action or express their discontent.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "stern gaze"?

The phrase "stern gaze" is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the seriousness or disapproval in someone's expression. It's often used in literature, news reporting, and historical descriptions to convey a specific emotional tone or character trait.