Searching eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Searching eyes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose eyes are looking for something or expressing a sense of curiosity or longing. Example: "As she entered the room, she felt the searching eyes of the crowd, eager to see who would take the stage next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Searching Eyes is a history of privacy, a value central to the American democratic way of life, and disease surveillance, a core activity critical to the public health mission of intervening as appropriate to protect the populace from preventable causes of illness and death.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Big sad searching eyes.

The New York Times

"I know why he is coming," Gabriel confesses, his searching eyes bright with remembered shame.

The New York Times

Then she located him nearby, "looking up at me with his dark searching eyes," she recalled, but he vanished again.

The New York Times

Others blatantly stand in the street, keeping a keen eye for that slow driver with the searching eyes.

The New York Times

Amy L. Fairchild is a professor and the author, most recently, of "Searching Eyes: Privacy, the State, and Disease Surveillance in America".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The "searching eye of heaven... darts his light through every guilty hole," wrote Shakespeare.

The New York Times

Now, in Absolute Beginners, Mr MacInnes turns a searching eye on the tight, exclusive world of the London teenager.

The Guardian

It's a remorseless, searching eye that never stops watching, never gets bored, and never looks away.

The Guardian - Film

Through Sept. 11 Like the New Topographers Robert Adams and Lewis Baltz, the Toronto-based photographer Geoffrey James casts a searching eye on cultural alterations of the North American landscape.

The New York Times - Arts

In part, this may have been because it was recognised that someone who could run up a perfect Chanel cocktail dress was also likely to have a searching eye for detail in matters of passenger comfort.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Searching eyes" to effectively convey a character's internal state or intention, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth.

Common error

Avoid using "Searching eyes" as a substitute for nuanced character development. Instead, integrate the phrase with specific actions or dialogue to provide depth and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Searching eyes" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It adds detail and emotion to a description, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Searching eyes" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a look of inquiry, scrutiny, or longing. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its use across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, and occasionally in scientific sources. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid simplistic characterizations. Consider alternatives like "inquisitive gaze" or "scrutinizing eyes" for more specific connotations. Ludwig's examples show the phrase often enhances narrative depth and emotional resonance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Seeking gaze

Focuses on the act of looking for something specific.

Inquisitive gaze

Focuses on the act of actively seeking information or understanding.

Questioning gaze

Emphasizes the expression of doubt or uncertainty in the eyes.

Scrutinizing eyes

Implies a critical and thorough examination.

Longing eyes

Highlights the expression of desire or yearning.

Prying eyes

Emphasizes an unwanted or intrusive form of observation.

Investigative eyes

Highlights a systematic and detailed inquiry.

Keen observation

Highlights the sharpness and attentiveness of the visual perception.

Analytical look

Implies a careful and methodical examination of details.

Watchful eyes

Highlights the act of observing someone to give assistance or protection.

FAQs

How can I use "Searching eyes" in a sentence?

You can use "Searching eyes" to describe a character's expression, like: "He looked at her with "searching eyes", trying to gauge her reaction."

What are some alternatives to "Searching eyes"?

Alternatives include "inquisitive gaze", "scrutinizing eyes", or "longing eyes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "Searching eyes" in formal writing?

Yes, "Searching eyes" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when aiming to create a vivid and descriptive narrative. However, consider if more precise language would better serve your purpose.

What does "Searching eyes" typically imply?

"Searching eyes" suggests a deep level of scrutiny, inquiry, or emotional longing, where the eyes are actively looking for something, whether it's information, truth, or connection.