under the gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the feeling of being watched or observed by someone or something. For example, "I felt uneasy under the gaze of the security guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Like artists, critics work under the gaze of posterity too.

Independent

Policemen are now constantly under the gaze of mobile-phone and video cameras.

The Economist

Your mother cleans the courtyard under the gaze of her mother-in-law.

The New Yorker

Will we feel exposed under the gaze of a central tower?

The Guardian - Tech

Under the gaze of the planet's population, China will melt into a wider whole, into humanity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Carroll and Henderson will have quiet days under the gaze of the Kop.

The Guardian - Sport

In the past, economic policy was run by bureaucrats under the gaze of the Politburo.

The Guardian - Business

Will he be on the Croisette for opening night under the gaze of Ramsay after all?

The Guardian - Film

We repair to a table outside, under the gaze of some feral-looking pigeons.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

David pulled up under the gaze of Weldon Case, who had emerged from the plane.

The New Yorker

To go to the toilet at night involves crossing dark, open land, often under the gaze of large male guards.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under the gaze" to convey a sense of being observed, judged, or scrutinized, especially when the observer holds some authority or significance.

Common error

Avoid using "under the gaze" when simply indicating presence or location. The phrase implies a degree of focused observation, not mere existence in a place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the gaze" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the condition or circumstances under which an action occurs. Ludwig's examples demonstrate how it adds detail about the act of being observed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under the gaze" functions as an adverbial phrase that is grammatically correct and very common. It expresses the idea of being watched or scrutinized, often implying an imbalance of power. It’s frequently used in the news and media, conveying a professional tone. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s usable in written English, making it a versatile choice for describing observation in diverse scenarios. It's important to consider the context and the degree of scrutiny when selecting this phrase over alternatives such as "under observation" or "in full view". Therefore, selecting this expression is generally safe and well-supported, provided the implied sense of observation or judgment fits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to scrutiny

Highlights the critical examination of something or someone.

under surveillance

Suggests a more formal and often secretive form of monitoring.

under observation

Focuses on the act of observing, often in a scientific or medical context.

before the eyes of

A more formal way of saying "in front of", often used in legal or official contexts.

in full view

Implies being easily seen, without necessarily suggesting scrutiny.

with watchful eyes

Emphasizes vigilance and attentiveness in observation.

within sight

Indicates proximity and visibility, but not necessarily active watching.

exposed to view

Highlights being visible, but does not necessarily imply observation.

in the spotlight

Emphasizes public attention and prominence.

overlooked by

Implies supervision, not necessarily direct visual observation.

FAQs

How can I use "under the gaze" in a sentence?

Use "under the gaze" to describe situations where someone or something is being watched or observed closely. For example, "The suspect confessed "under the gaze" of the interrogators."

What are some alternatives to "under the gaze"?

You can use alternatives like "under observation", "subject to scrutiny", or "in full view" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "under the gaze" in formal writing?

Yes, "under the gaze" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing situations involving authority, observation, or scrutiny. It is frequently used in "news media" and academic contexts.

What is the difference between "under the gaze" and "under surveillance"?

"Under the gaze" implies a more general sense of being watched, while "under surveillance" suggests a more formal, often secretive, form of monitoring, often by authorities.