I was eyeing

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was eyeing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone is looking at someone or something with interest or intent. For example: "I was eyeing the delicious cake in the bakery window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

By the time spring arrived, I was eyeing my suitcase and seriously contemplating a stint as an ­intern.

The New York Times - Books

My Russian friend Zsuzsana called me on the 23rd, when I was eyeing up a packet of lentils to start preparing my vat of nasty Yuletide soup.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was eyeing this couple up because, she's pretty hot and probably not white and he is kind of corny and definitely white.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But hey, I was eying Washington D.C. hottie Andrea Mitchell so I needed some NASDAQ street cred.

Huffington Post

But I'm eyeing up a 80GB one?

The Guardian

As part of my retirement planning, I'm eyeing my mortgage.

The Washington Post

As you do with new books, I am eyeing the photos, skimming the intros, just feeling and smelling the paper.

Independent

Here, at the Guide locker, I'm eyeing up something that looks valuable: a Professor Green gold disc.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Diet Coke, but I'm eyeing the mason jars of milk tea floating around.

Los Angeles Times

I'm eyeing the Right Bank bag, since I'm a Right Bank girl.

Huffington Post

Walking through the centre, I'm eyeing up every pencil opp.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was eyeing" to subtly imply interest or desire towards something, whether it's an object, a person, or an opportunity.

Common error

Avoid using "eyeing" in highly formal writing where a more neutral term like "considering" or "observing" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was eyeing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action of looking at something with interest or intent. Ludwig AI confirms this as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was eyeing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express past interest or desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English. While suitable for various contexts, it leans towards the neutral register, being less formal than academic writing but more structured than casual conversation. When looking for alternatives, consider phrases like "I had my eye on" or "I was considering" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had my eye on

Uses "had my eye on" instead of "was eyeing", indicating a past focus of attention.

I was considering

Replaces the visual aspect with a more general consideration.

I was contemplating

Similar to "considering" but suggests a deeper level of thought.

I was watching with interest

Emphasizes the act of watching and the accompanying interest.

I was observing closely

Highlights the detailed observation of something.

I was taking note of

Focuses on the act of recording or remembering something.

I was checking out

More informal way of saying "I was looking at."

I was giving the once-over

Implies a quick but thorough look.

I was scrutinizing

Suggests a very careful and critical examination.

I was assessing

Highlights the act of evaluating something.

FAQs

What does "I was eyeing" mean?

The phrase "I was eyeing" means that you were looking at something or someone with interest or desire. It suggests you were considering it in some way.

What can I say instead of "I was eyeing"?

You can use alternatives like "I had my eye on", "I was considering", or "I was observing" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "I was eyeing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "I was eyeing" is more suited to informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "I was considering" or "I was assessing".

How can I use "I was eyeing" in a sentence?

You can use "I was eyeing" in a sentence to indicate you were looking at something with interest. For example, "I was eyeing the new car in the showroom window."