Sharp-eyed

USAGE SUMMARY

"Sharp-eyed" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is very observant or has keen eyesight. An example: "The sharp-eyed detective noticed the small detail that everyone else missed." Alternative expressions include "keen-eyed," "observant," and "perceptive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sharp-eyed Porsche enthusiasts will note slight changes to the front and rear fascias.

Los Angeles Times

A SHARP-EYED coyote, dollars sprouting from his ears, glowers at the roadside.

The Economist

It is told in Julavits's signature style: sharp-eyed, sardonic, hilarious.

The New York Times - Books

Sharp-eyed but not cruel.

The New York Times - Books

(Sharp-eyed readers will already have noticed that A. N. Dyer's initials form "AND").

The New Yorker

Sharp-eyed readers might have noticed something truly unusual in Gannett's New Jersey newspapers.

The New York Times

Sharp-eyed observers might notice that the night sky has been flipped backwards.

Independent

Sharp-eyed partygoers might have spotted well-disguised celebrities like Fergie, Michelle Trachtenberg and Amber Rose.

The New York Times

Sharp-eyed philosophers may locate loose joints in the arguments of these books.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Neighborhood birds have already discovered it, but visitors to the Biennial need to be sharp eyed.

The New York Times - Arts

Sharp eyed reader Mike noticed a little humor in the Nexus One manual screen shots.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp-eyed" when you want to emphasize someone's ability to notice details that others might miss, either through excellent vision or keen observation skills. For a more formal tone, consider "observant" or "perceptive."

Common error

Avoid using "sharp-eyed" solely to describe physical appearance unrelated to observation. It's best applied when highlighting someone's ability to perceive details or potential issues effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp-eyed" primarily functions as a compound adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone or something characterized by keen observation skills or excellent vision. Ludwig provides numerous examples in which "sharp-eyed" is used to describe individuals who notice details others might miss.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp-eyed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used compound adjective that describes someone with keen observational skills or excellent vision. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, predominantly within news and media. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives like "observant" or "perceptive" for academic or scientific writing. When writing with "sharp-eyed", the best practice is to emphasize the ability to perceive details or potential issues effectively. The multiple sources demonstrate that "sharp-eyed" effectively conveys the ability to quickly and clearly notice details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Keen-sighted

Focuses more specifically on the quality of vision.

Eagle-eyed

Similar to sharp-eyed but uses a metaphor to strengthen the concept of visual acuity.

Hawk-eyed

Very similar to eagle-eyed; another metaphorical expression for keen vision and attention to detail.

Observant

Emphasizes the act of paying close attention and noticing details.

Perceptive

Highlights the ability to understand or interpret what is observed.

Astute

Suggests cleverness and shrewdness in observation.

Discerning

Highlights the ability to distinguish subtle differences and make accurate judgments.

Vigilant

Implies a state of watchfulness and alertness.

Alert

Focuses on being quick to notice any potential issues or changes.

Attentive

Highlights the act of giving careful attention to something.

FAQs

How to use "sharp-eyed" in a sentence?

You can use "sharp-eyed" to describe someone who is very observant or has keen eyesight. For example: "The "sharp-eyed detective" noticed the small detail that everyone else missed."

What can I say instead of "sharp-eyed"?

You can use alternatives like "keen-sighted", "observant", or "perceptive" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Which is correct, "sharp-eyed" or "sharp eyed"?

"Sharp-eyed" is the correct form when used as a compound adjective. The hyphen connects the words to modify the noun that follows. "Sharp eyed" without a hyphen would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "sharp-eyed" and "eagle-eyed"?

While both terms describe someone with excellent vision or observation skills, "eagle-eyed" often implies a more intense or focused level of observation, akin to the keen eyesight of an eagle. "Sharp-eyed" is a more general term for good observational abilities.