wondering gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

"wondering gaze" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
Example: She sat at the window, her eyes fixed in a wondering gaze as she watched the birds flying in the sky.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In his book of philosophy The Human Touch, Frayn went beyond Shakespeare and described the observable universe as a stage: curved space itself becomes a theatrical performance that is rendered meaningful by the wondering gaze of human spectators.

The Guardian - Books

According to a program note, it is a kind of musical memoir, with movements suggesting the wondering gaze of a solitary newcomer ("Mirage"), the late-night reveries of a husband and father ("Pulse I"), urban forays with a rock-and-roll beat ("Pulse II"), and a rich, long goodbye ("Adieu").

The New Yorker

I wrote in my review: According to a program note, it is a kind of musical memoir, with movements suggesting the wondering gaze of a solitary newcomer ("Mirage"), the late-night reveries of a husband and father ("Pulse I"), urban forays with a rock-and-roll beat ("Pulse II"), and a rich, long goodbye ("Adieu").

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This provides the material for them to make two types of crystals, which they assemble into layers to create an immensely strong composite structure.As she looked out of the window one day while wondering about this, her gaze drifted to a periodic table of elements stuck on the wall.

The Economist

Me, I drifted into and out of churches and restaurants and piazzas, often not even taking photos, just gazing, admiring, wondering, reflecting, dreaming.

Huffington Post

While this tendency fades with repeated use, you wonder if your gaze will be elsewhere at the instant when Night Vision reveals trouble up the road.

The New York Times

Navel gazing, I'm wondering why I hadn't seen it coming or, if I am honest, even let it happen, given that 20 years could pass before the opportunity might arise again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Distressed by most historians' overwhelming preoccupation with the modern world, an unusual coalition of scholars is trying to stage an intellectual coup, urging their colleagues to look up from the relatively recent swirl of bloody conflicts, global financial exchanges and technological wonders and gaze further back, toward humanity's origins.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet only a chosen few have actually entered the exalted sanctuary to experience its wonders, to gaze upon its glory.

Vice

I'd wonder as I gazed upon their imperious stares.

Vice

"What the fuck could that event possibly be like?" I'd wonder as I gazed upon their imperious stares.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wondering gaze" to describe a look that combines curiosity with a sense of awe or contemplation, particularly when encountering something new or mysterious. Consider the emotional context of the scene you're describing to ensure the phrase aligns with the character's feelings and motivations.

Common error

Avoid using "wondering gaze" too frequently when describing characters' reactions in dialogue. Overuse can make the descriptions feel repetitive and detract from the natural flow of the conversation. Instead, vary your descriptions by focusing on other aspects of their expression or body language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wondering gaze" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a subject (person or character) within a narrative. It describes the manner of looking, combining an adjective ("wondering") with a noun ("gaze") to specify the quality of the look. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wondering gaze" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a look of curiosity and contemplation. While relatively rare, it is deemed appropriate for use in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in descriptive or narrative writing. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources. When using "wondering gaze", consider the emotional context to ensure it accurately reflects the character's feelings. Alternatives such as "curious stare" or "inquisitive look" can be used to vary your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curious stare

Replaces "wondering" with "curious", emphasizing the inquisitiveness of the look.

inquisitive look

Substitutes both words to highlight the questioning nature of the look.

fascinated gaze

Highlights the captivating nature of what is being observed.

contemplative gaze

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness rather than the curiosity.

reflective stare

Focuses on the act of deep thinking or reflection.

pensive stare

Highlights the deep thoughtfulness and reflection in the gaze.

speculative look

Emphasizes the nature of forming a theory or conjecture.

thoughtful expression

Shifts from the act of looking to the overall facial expression.

intrigued expression

Focuses on the feeling of being fascinated or curious.

amazed look

Emphasizes astonishment and awe.

FAQs

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

You can use "wondering gaze" to describe someone looking at something with curiosity and a sense of awe. For example, "She fixed a /s/wondering+gaze on the starry sky", or "His /s/wondering+gaze swept over the ancient ruins".

What can I say instead of "wondering gaze"?

You can use alternatives like "curious stare", "inquisitive look", or "contemplative gaze" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wondering gaze" formal or informal?

"Wondering gaze" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more common in descriptive writing or narrative contexts than in highly technical or academic papers.

What does "wondering gaze" imply?

"Wondering gaze" implies a combination of curiosity, interest, and perhaps a slight sense of bewilderment or awe. It suggests that the person is not only looking but also thinking about what they are seeing.