begging eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begging eyes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person's eyes that convey a sense of pleading or desperation, often evoking sympathy or compassion. Example: "The puppy looked up at me with begging eyes, making it impossible to resist giving him a treat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

That is, mostly crabgrass and no red Oriental bridge w/ ancient hoofprints and no outbuildings and not a single SG, but only Ferber, who we'd kind of forgotten about, and who, as usual, had circled round and round the tree until nearly strangling to death on his gradually shortening leash and was looking up at us with begging eyes in which desperation was combined with a sort of low-boiling anger.

The New Yorker

All that – and, I confess, Wales' begging eyes – is what made me donate to Wikimedia, and why you should at the very least consider doing it too.

TechCrunch

I looked at my boss with begging eyes.

Vice

His wide, blue, begging eyes are locked on mine, the wanting palpable.

Huffington Post

"The white one was walking back and forth, looking at passing people and vehicles in begging eyes, while the black dog groveled at the bottom of the gutter," Peng said, according to the Daily Mail.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Here we define corneal ultrastructural changes as the beg eye develops posthatch, using wide-angle x-ray scattering to map collagen fibril orientation across affected corneas at three posthatch time points.

Biophysical Journal

Poems (1933): XXX In railway halls, on pavements near the traffic, They beg, their eyes made big by empty staring And only measuring Time, like the blank clock.

The Guardian - Books

When we finally were able to get back into the truck, she cringed behind the seat, her cow eyes begging forgiveness.

The New York Times

"We were told the numbers were too many to treat," she says, "but when you see so many people so sick with their eyes begging for a bit of hope, then of course you find a way to treat.

Science Magazine

Just for today?" she asks, her eyes begging.

Huffington Post

She stared at me through the dog gate, whining softly, eyes begging me to let her in.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begging eyes" to vividly portray a character's vulnerability or urgent need, adding emotional depth to your writing. For instance, describe an animal seeking help or a person in a desperate situation.

Common error

While "begging eyes" can be effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "pleading eyes" or "imploring eyes" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begging eyes" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (person or animal), characterizing the look in their eyes. It describes a state of pleading and is widely used as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begging eyes" is a grammatically sound and readily understood expression used to depict a look of intense pleading or desperation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively uncommon, it effectively conveys a sense of urgency and vulnerability, making it suitable for narrative and descriptive contexts. For alternatives, you might consider "pleading eyes" or "imploring eyes" depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. When aiming for formal or professional prose, it might be more prudent to opt for alternatives such as "a look of desperation" to maintain a more neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eyes that beg

A more direct and literal phrasing of the original expression.

pleading eyes

Replaces "begging" with "pleading", emphasizing the act of asking earnestly.

imploring eyes

Uses "imploring" to highlight the urgent and desperate nature of the request.

supplicating eyes

Emphasizes a humble and earnest request, often directed towards someone in a position of power.

beseeching eyes

Similar to "imploring", but suggests a more emotional and heartfelt appeal.

entreating eyes

Highlights the act of earnestly asking someone to do something.

eyes full of supplication

Rephrases the expression to focus on the state of the eyes.

eyes that plead

Uses a verb phrase to convey the action of the eyes.

eyes conveying desperation

Highlights the desperate nature of the appeal communicated through the eyes.

eyes filled with longing

Focuses on the intense desire conveyed in the eyes.

FAQs

What does "begging eyes" mean?

"Begging eyes" describes a look in someone's eyes that conveys a strong sense of pleading, desperation, or a heartfelt request. It often implies a desire for help, forgiveness, or a specific action from the person being looked at.

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

You can use "begging eyes" to describe a character's emotional state. For example: "The stray dog looked at us with "begging eyes", hoping for some food" or "She turned to him with "begging eyes", silently asking for his forgiveness."

What are some alternatives to "begging eyes"?

Alternatives to "begging eyes" include "pleading eyes", "imploring eyes", "supplicating eyes", or "eyes that beg". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

While "begging eyes" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for creative writing or narratives than formal reports. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral language, such as "a look of desperation" or "a plea for assistance", depending on the specific context and purpose.