caught sight of

USAGE SUMMARY

'caught sight of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when someone sees something visually. For example: "He caught sight of the deer when he was walking through the woods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She caught sight of the ship's figurehead.

Independent

She caught sight of Morgan Freeman.

The New Yorker

But they never caught sight of Quinn.

The New Yorker

The prison priest caught sight of them.

The Guardian

Sometime after 11, I caught sight of him again.

The New York Times

I caught sight of a ruffling, a tick, a gleam.

The New York Times

Then João caught sight of a penny loafer.

The New Yorker

Passengers caught sight of him for just a blurred moment.

The New Yorker

A few hours later, they caught sight of a fourth.

The New Yorker

Then he caught sight of a small pine tree.

The New York Times - Books

Two of them I never caught sight of.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "caught sight of" to indicate a brief or sudden visual encounter, especially when the sighting is somewhat unexpected or fleeting.

Common error

Avoid using "caught sight of" when you want to emphasize a deliberate or prolonged observation. Use words like "observed" or "watched" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "caught sight of" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate of a sentence or clause. It indicates the action of briefly or unexpectedly seeing something. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "caught sight of" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of briefly or unexpectedly seeing something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It's a common phrase, predominantly found in news and media, as well as academic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, remember to choose synonyms like "spotted" or "glimpsed" for slight variations in meaning or formality. Avoid using it for intentional or prolonged observations. By understanding its nuances and common usage, you can effectively incorporate "caught sight of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glimpsed

Suggests a brief and incomplete view, similar to "caught sight of" but emphasizing the fleeting nature of the sighting.

spotted

A more concise and informal way of saying "caught sight of", implying a quick visual detection.

laid eyes on

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the first time seeing something or someone.

set eyes on

Similar to "laid eyes on", emphasizing the act of seeing something for the first time.

noticed

A more general term for becoming aware of something, but can be used when visual awareness is implied.

observed

Implies a more deliberate and focused act of seeing, compared to the accidental nature of "caught sight of".

discerned

Implies perceiving something obscure or unclear, requiring effort to see it.

detected

Implies discovering something not easily visible, often used in a more technical context.

perceived

A broader term for becoming aware of something through the senses, including sight.

beheld

A more formal and literary term for seeing, suggesting a significant or impressive sight.

FAQs

What does "caught sight of" mean?

The phrase "caught sight of" means to see someone or something briefly or unexpectedly. It implies a quick glimpse rather than a prolonged observation.

What can I say instead of "caught sight of"?

You can use alternatives like "spotted", "glimpsed", or "noticed" depending on the context.

Is "caught sight of" formal or informal?

"Caught sight of" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "observed" or "perceived" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

How do I use "caught sight of" in a sentence?

You can use "caught sight of" to describe a brief visual encounter. For example: "She caught sight of a familiar face in the crowd" or "He caught sight of the deer as it ran through the woods".