a willing eye

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a willing eye" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is open to seeing or accepting something, often in a positive or eager manner. Example: "With a willing eye, she approached the new project, ready to embrace the challenges ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you squint, you may see suggestions of the original car, though this requires a willing eye.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The only way my children will learn to embrace their perfectly imperfect life with open hands, open eyes and a willing heart is by watching me do it.

Huffington Post

I immediately put the book down, and with willing eyes I looked around my room.

Huffington Post

He directs his lens to capture an arching spine or sometimes to look straight into a willing feline's yellow eyes.

Vice

"He is a strong lad, a willing runner and has an eye for goal". Fenwick's arrival comes within 24 hours of another Rovers striker Jonny Margetts being allowed out on loan to relegation-threatened National League neighbours Southport.

BBC

For all the hand-wringing that has accompanied Klinsmann's selections, a look at the massive number of names that he brought into the program shows a manager with a catholic eye, willing to take chances on guys from every league and every level.

The Guardian - Sport

There are some who say we knew about the concentration camps and turned a blind eye, not willing to enter the fight.

Huffington Post

So far it seems willing to turn a blind eye to ceasefire violations, fearing that Syria will plunge into all-out civil war if the mission pulls out before its mandate ends on July 20th.

The Economist

As my babe broke his latch, and looked up at me, willing my eyes downward, I soaked him in.

HuffPost

Though locally the authorities were willing to turn a blind eye, the DEA saw things differently.

The Guardian

But to his critics, he has been all too willing to turn a blind eye to corruption.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a willing eye" to suggest that someone is not only looking but is also receptive to what they are seeing, implying a positive and open attitude.

Common error

Avoid using "a willing eye" when you simply mean someone is looking without any particular inclination. The phrase implies active receptiveness, not just passive observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a willing eye" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically used to describe someone's attitude or approach to a situation. As Ludwig AI notes, it indicates an openness to seeing or accepting something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a willing eye" signifies a receptive and open-minded approach, suggesting a positive inclination towards understanding or accepting new information. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, its usage is relatively rare. The phrase's communicative purpose is to convey openness and receptiveness, and its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives include "an open mind" or "a receptive attitude", depending on the nuance intended. Use this phrase to emphasize that someone is not just looking, but actively embracing what they see.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an open mind

Emphasizes a lack of preconceived notions and a willingness to consider new ideas.

a receptive viewpoint

Focuses on the mental attitude of receiving information without bias.

an unbiased perspective

Emphasizes impartiality and the absence of prejudice.

an accepting attitude

Implies a welcoming and non-judgmental stance.

a flexible mindset

Highlights adaptability and a willingness to change one's views.

a tolerant outlook

Highlights acceptance and understanding of different perspectives.

a discerning perspective

Suggests careful evaluation and insightful judgment.

a favorable view

Highlights a positive and supportive stance.

an optimistic outlook

Emphasizes hopefulness and a positive expectation.

a responsive approach

Focuses on being reactive and adaptable to new information.

FAQs

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

You can use "a willing eye" to describe someone who is receptive and open to understanding or accepting something. For example, "She approached the challenge with a willing eye, ready to learn and adapt."

What does it mean to approach something with "a willing eye"?

Approaching something with "a willing eye" means you are open-minded and ready to see the positive aspects or potential in the situation, rather than being critical or dismissive.

Are there situations where using "a willing eye" would not be appropriate?

Yes, it might not be appropriate when dealing with situations that require critical analysis or skepticism. In those cases, alternatives like "a critical eye" might be more suitable.

What can I say instead of "a willing eye"?

Alternatives include "an open mind", "a receptive attitude", or "a positive outlook", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.