wary gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wary gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look or expression that shows caution or suspicion towards something or someone. Example: "She cast a wary gaze at the unfamiliar figure lurking in the shadows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

His taut, wary gaze almost singes the air.

The New York Times - Arts

Ayman's childhood pictures show him with a round face, a wary gaze, and a flat and unsmiling mouth.

The New Yorker

(From Parker's Profile: "Baumbach has a wary gaze and speaks in careful loops of retraction and calibration").

The New Yorker

Instead Heffernan, with his hooded, Mitchumesque eyes and wary gaze, shows us a man who always seems isolated in a crowd.

The Guardian

Compare that weary, wary gaze, the grip on the sword, the uneasy feet, with William Holman Hunt's Self-Portrait in Oriental Costume (1867/75).

The Guardian - Books

We sampled them all, beneath the wary gaze of the grower, and each bite brought on the excitement and thrill of the new.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Be wary of gazing too deep into this colorful abyss— you might not ever know if it's gazing also back into you.

Vice

As she becomes ever more wary of the gaze of the authorities, the Moon takes on the shape of a laboratory light and under its dim glow she tries to make one corpse in particular, a man she suspects has been murdered by the government, offer up its secrets.

The Guardian - Books

He's a morose boy, watchful and wary, with a darting gaze and hunched shoulders.

The New York Times

Even now, in a year when a black presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama, has called for an open conversation about race, many here remain wary of the outsider's gaze.

The New York Times

But the lines are carved a little deeper in his chiseled face, the square jaw line is more gaunt with age and the gaze a little more wary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's state of mind, use "wary gaze" to subtly convey their suspicion or uncertainty without explicitly stating their feelings. It's more impactful to show than tell.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "wary gaze" within a short span. Overuse can diminish its impact and make the writing feel repetitive. Instead, vary your descriptions with synonyms like "cautious look" or "suspicious glance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wary gaze" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often acting as an adjective-noun combination to characterize a subject's expression or manner of looking. Ludwig examples show it describing people, animals, or even abstract entities conveying a sense of caution or suspicion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wary gaze" effectively conveys a sense of caution, suspicion, or alertness. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various writing contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Books, and Arts. When writing, remember that "wary gaze" is more impactful if you show suspicion than state it and avoid repeating the phrase in the same context. Instead, you can use alternatives like "cautious look" or "suspicious glance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautious look

Emphasizes the careful and guarded nature of the observation, focusing on the deliberate avoidance of risk.

suspicious glance

Highlights a brief, mistrustful look, suggesting doubt or disbelief.

guarded expression

Focuses on the overall facial demeanor, implying a concealed or protected emotional state.

attentive stare

Underscores the focused and observant nature of the look, indicating keen interest or vigilance.

careful observation

Shifts the focus from the gaze itself to the act of observing with caution and precision.

distrustful glare

Implies a hostile or resentful look, suggesting a strong sense of suspicion and animosity.

skeptical gaze

Highlights a doubting or questioning look, indicating uncertainty or disbelief.

circumspect look

Emphasizes the prudence and careful consideration behind the gaze, suggesting a thorough assessment of the situation.

vigilant watch

Shifts the focus to continuous and alert observation, indicating a state of readiness and attentiveness to potential threats.

prudent regard

Highlights the wisdom and careful judgment involved in the observation, suggesting a thoughtful and cautious assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "wary gaze" to describe someone's expression when they are cautious or suspicious. For example, "The traveler cast a "wary gaze" at the dark alleyway."

What does "wary gaze" imply?

A "wary gaze" suggests a state of caution, suspicion, or distrust. It indicates that the person is carefully assessing their surroundings or the person they are looking at, anticipating potential danger or deception.

What are some synonyms for "wary gaze"?

Alternatives to "wary gaze" include "cautious look", "suspicious glance", or "guarded expression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wary gaze" formal or informal?

"Wary gaze" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is descriptive and not overly technical or colloquial, making it appropriate for various contexts.