a sharp eye

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sharp eye" is a correctly phrased idiom and can be used in written English.
The phrase is typically used to describe someone who pays very close attention to details or notices something quickly. Example sentence: "The detective had a sharp eye and noticed the slightest of clues that others had missed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He keeps a sharp eye on prices.

The New York Times

She had a sharp eye for incongruity.

The Guardian - Books

Griffith apparently kept a sharp eye on their actions.

Columbia University

She has a sharp eye for telling detail.

Independent

"Keep a sharp eye," Captain Omohundro told his men.

The New York Times

She might have added, a sharp eye for everyday absurdities.

The Guardian

Lyons has developed a sharp eye for unlicensed HMOs.

The Guardian

Jack had a ready wit and a sharp eye.

The New York Times

Nina Davenport directs with a sharp eye and endless patience.

The New York Times

Mr Cardoso and the world have also to keep a sharp eye on Congress.

The Economist

Good writing skills and a sharp eye for numbers are essential.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp eye" to emphasize someone's ability to notice subtle details or potential problems that others might miss. For instance, "She has a sharp eye for design flaws and always catches them early."

Common error

Don't limit "a sharp eye" to just visual observation. It also implies the ability to quickly understand complex situations or detect inconsistencies, even when they're not immediately apparent. Try using alternatives like "keen sense" or "good intuition" if the situation is not purely visual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp eye" functions as an attribute describing someone's ability to notice details or potential problems. Ludwig examples showcase it being used to highlight skills in various fields like editing, accounting, and design.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

9%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp eye" is a grammatically sound and frequently used idiom that describes someone's exceptional ability to observe details and identify inconsistencies. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It finds its primary usage within News & Media, but also shows up in Academia. This suggests a fairly neutral tone, useful in a broad range of communication styles. When using the phrase, remember it implies more than just visual acuity; it encompasses a general keen awareness. If you want to convey a similar meaning, consider alternatives like "discerning eye" or "keen observation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a discerning eye

Indicates an ability to distinguish subtle differences and make judgments.

a keen observation

Focuses on the act of observing rather than the inherent ability.

an observant perspective

Highlights the viewpoint characterized by careful observation.

a perceptive understanding

Emphasizes insightful comprehension based on observation.

an acute awareness

Stresses a heightened sense of being conscious of one's surroundings or circumstances.

a detailed scrutiny

Highlights the thorough examination of something.

a meticulous approach

Implies careful and precise attention to detail in a method or strategy.

a vigilant outlook

Emphasizes a watchful and alert perspective.

a precise assessment

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of an evaluation.

a critical evaluation

Stresses the importance of judging with informed analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "a sharp eye" in a sentence?

You can use "a sharp eye" to describe someone who is very observant or detail-oriented. For example, "The editor has a sharp eye for grammatical errors", or "The accountant's sharp eye helped uncover the fraud".

What does it mean to have "a sharp eye"?

Having "a sharp eye" means possessing the ability to notice subtle details and inconsistencies that others might overlook. It implies attentiveness, perception, and a knack for identifying important information.

What are some alternatives to saying someone has "a sharp eye"?

You can use alternatives like "discerning eye", "keen observation", or "perceptive understanding" to express a similar idea.

Is "a sharp eye" only used for visual observation?

No, while "a sharp eye" often refers to visual acuity, it can also describe a person's ability to quickly grasp complex situations, understand subtle nuances, or detect inconsistencies in arguments or data.