eager eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

"eager eyes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that looks intently at something with an excited or eager expression. Example sentence: The little girl's eager eyes lit up when she saw the presents under the Christmas tree.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"Humming in the throat, headshake, doglike, eager eyes".

The Guardian - Books

It hung down, at moments, into his bright and eager eyes, hindering him from seeing anything.

The Guardian

His body is thin and rangy, and his face has a wolfish look, with small, bright, eager eyes.

The New Yorker

But Piazza privately questioned how qualified he was to be lecturing the 500 boys and girls perched in front of him with eager eyes.

The New York Times - Sports

At a demented research institute named for William Morris, eager eyes gaze at a computer that can handle UHL, or "Unit Headline Language".

The Guardian - Books

Older readers will remember Bruce Forsyth's Generation Game, in which a conveyor belt paraded consumer desirables – teasmade, cuddly toy, cassette player – before the eager eyes of contestants.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Moving swiftly between the comic and the tragic, Clanchy has an eager eye for each and every detail in between.

The Guardian - Books

Having trained his eager eye on these masterpieces, James saunters off to explore a palpably ancient town ("very resignedly but very persistently old") that no longer exists.

The New York Times - Travel

His temper was legendary, sending timid staffers diving under their desks; his appetite was formidable, with steak for lunch and an eager eye for sponge cakes at any point.

The Economist

At the same time, it's possible to imagine "Taipei" as a future Danny Boyle movie, the director's eager eye soaking up all those drug-addled trips through Whole Foods.

The New York Times - Books

One of Phillips's eulogists wrote that while his books "may not survive him many years," his "eager eye to the future and clear voice for what he saw there" should be honored.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group of people, "eager eyes" can effectively convey a shared sense of excitement or anticipation, enhancing the collective atmosphere in your scene.

Common error

Avoid using "eager eyes" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral and objective descriptions to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eager eyes" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It vividly portrays the intensity and enthusiasm of someone's gaze, adding emotional depth to the description. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eager eyes" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys anticipation, excitement, or intense interest. It is predominantly found in news and media sources, with a neutral to informal tone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. To enrich your writing, consider using synonyms like "keen eyes" or "attentive eyes", while avoiding its overuse in highly formal settings. This phrase adds depth and emotional resonance when describing a character's expression or a group's shared excitement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen eyes

Focuses on the sharpness and attentiveness of the gaze.

avid gaze

Highlights the intensity and enthusiasm of the look.

attentive eyes

Emphasizes the focused and observant nature of the eyes.

bright eyes

Highlights the liveliness and interest reflected in the eyes.

excited eyes

Emphasizes the feeling of excitement conveyed through the eyes.

inquisitive gaze

Highlights the curiosity and desire to learn reflected in the eyes.

expectant eyes

Focuses on the anticipation and hopefulness in the eyes.

watchful eyes

Highlights the vigilance and attentiveness implied in the look.

interested eyes

Emphasizes the attention and concern being conveyed.

yearning eyes

Focuses on the desire and longing expressed in the gaze.

FAQs

What does "eager eyes" mean?

"Eager eyes" describes someone or something looking with intense interest, anticipation, or enthusiasm. It suggests a strong desire or excitement about what they are seeing or expecting.

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

You can use "eager eyes" to describe a person's expression, for example: "The children watched the magician with "eager eyes"." It can also describe animals or even objects, depending on the context.

What are some synonyms for "eager eyes"?

Some synonyms for "eager eyes" include "keen eyes", "attentive eyes", "bright eyes", and "inquisitive gaze" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "eager eyes" formal or informal?

"Eager eyes" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, though it may be less appropriate for highly formal or technical writing.