Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hela]

Dear teachers,

Do these 2 expressions have the same meaning?

blank look = vacant stare ?

Thanks,
Hela

[Teacher Dian]

Dear Hela,

A "stare" lasts longer than a "look".

Examples:
"As the teacher droned on, the students endured the lecture with vacant stares."

"He gave me a blank look when I asked where Gina was."

The person in situation "B" should not respond with a "vacant stare" if he does not know the answer to the question. On the other hand, students in example "A" cannot only give blank looks during an extended period of time. And yes, the meanings are more or less the same-- indicating a general lack of brain activity on the part of the receiver of the communication.

All the best,
Teacher Dian

[hela]

Thank you Teacher Dian for your answer, that helps.

Merry Christmas,
Hela