by the sight of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the sight of" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to indicate that something has been seen or noticed. For example, "He was awestruck by the sight of the Grand Canyon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The orchestra played The Sorcerer's Apprentice and I was riveted by the sight of the cellos.

The Guardian - Music

But Mom is distracted by the sight of him anyway.

The New Yorker

The smugglers seemed soothed by the sight of it.

The New Yorker

Frankly, I was unnerved by the sight of them.

The Economist

I was transfixed by the sight of this great animal.

The New York Times

Woods, however, was not put off by the sight of Daly's name on the leader board.

The New York Times - Sports

He was brought to a halt by the sight of Ellington's sleeping form.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Zegerman naturally assumed that she had been repulsed by the sight of Arty's horrible penis.

The New Yorker

Behind Pereda, equally absorbed by the sight of the wounded man, stood the ranch's three gauchos.

The New Yorker

He is haunted by the sight of so much blood and of flying body parts.

The New York Times

I was amused by the sight of locals scratching their heads about its whereabouts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the sight of" to vividly describe how something visually perceived triggers a feeling, reaction, or change in someone or something. This phrasing enhances descriptive writing and adds depth to narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "by the sight of" excessively in formal or technical writing, as it can sound somewhat literary or dramatic. Opt for more direct and concise phrasing when conveying objective information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the sight of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or adjective, indicating the cause or trigger of a specific emotional or physical response. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the sight of" serves as a prepositional phrase highlighting the impact of a visual stimulus on an individual's emotions or actions. As verified by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media. It effectively adds depth and sensory detail to descriptive writing. When using "by the sight of", consider its somewhat literary tone, avoiding overuse in highly formal contexts. Ludwig's examples demonstrate that it is suitable for expressing reactions and feelings triggered by what one sees.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon seeing

Focuses on the immediate action of seeing something and its effect.

at the visual of

Highlights the visual aspect as the trigger for a reaction.

when viewing

Emphasizes the act of viewing as the context for a response.

from seeing

Indicates that the action of seeing is the cause of a feeling or action.

observing the scene of

Implies a more detached or analytical perspective.

witnessing the display of

Highlights the spectacle or presentation of something.

on observing

Formal way to highlight a feeling or action triggered by something seen.

the moment I saw

Personal experience that highlights what was seen and how it impacted the user.

as I gazed upon

Highlights feelings triggered by the object that was seen.

my eyes beheld

Highlights the act of perceiving or seeing something that may trigger emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "by the sight of" in a sentence?

Use "by the sight of" to describe how a visual experience influences someone's emotions or actions. For example, "He was moved "by the sight of" the refugees arriving."

What are some alternatives to "by the sight of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "upon seeing", "from seeing", or "at the visual of" to express a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "by the sight of" and "at the sight of"?

"By the sight of" emphasizes the causative role of seeing something, while "at the sight of" simply indicates where something is seen. While they are closely related, “by” often implies a stronger emotional impact or influence.

When is it appropriate to use "by the sight of" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "by the sight of" when you want to highlight the emotional or psychological impact of a visual experience. It's often used in descriptive or narrative writing to add depth and sensory detail.