eye stings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eye stings" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a sensation of discomfort or irritation in the eyes, often due to factors like smoke, chemicals, or allergens. Example: "After cutting the onions, my eyes stings and I couldn't see clearly." Alternative expressions include "eye irritation" and "eye discomfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the eye stinging remained five days later, Logan decided to do her own research, and soon found the likely cause was formaldehyde fumes which, according to the WHO, can potentially cause nasopharyngeal cancer.

The Guardian - Money

My eyes stung.

The New York Times - Health

His eyes sting; his feet kill him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ariel complained that her eyes stung.

The New York Times - Travel

My eyes stung as we stood watching, fifteen feet away.

The New Yorker

He poured with sweat and his eyes stung.

The New Yorker

Even obedient kunkis refuse orders to breach the eye-stinging ropes.

The Economist

I was sweating so much in the 92-degree heat that my eyes stung.

The New York Times

Some stood defiant, and officers responded with blasts of gas that made their eyes sting.

The Washington Post

My eyes stung with tears of happiness as he lovingly whisked me up into his arms.

The Guardian

Rocks from swirling slingshots bounced among the flowers; throats and eyes stung with tear gas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the cause of the stinging, be specific (e.g., "My eyes sting from the smoke" rather than just "My eyes sting").

Common error

Avoid using "eye stings" as a cliché for emotional distress. While tears can cause stinging, overusing this can weaken your writing. Consider more nuanced descriptions of emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eye stings" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a physical sensation. It is used to report discomfort or irritation experienced in the eyes. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "eye stings" describes a sharp, irritating sensation in the eyes, often due to external factors or internal conditions. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for general use. Although there are currently no specific examples available in Ludwig's database, it's a commonly understood expression. For alternative phrasing, you could consider options like "eyes are irritated" or "eyes feel a burning sensation". When writing, be specific about the cause of the stinging sensation to provide more context and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eyes are stinging

Changes the phrasing to a more descriptive and continuous state.

eyes feel a burning sensation

Replaces "stinging" with a more explicit description of the sensation.

eyes are irritated

Uses a more general term to describe the discomfort.

eyes are smarting

Uses a less common but still appropriate synonym for stinging.

experience eye irritation

Formalizes the phrase using "experience" and "irritation".

eyes are prickling

Describes the sensation as a prickling feeling.

eyes are watering and stinging

Adds another symptom (watering) to the stinging sensation.

eyes are inflamed

Indicates a more severe condition of inflammation.

eyes are aching and stinging

Adds another symptom (aching) to the stinging sensation.

eyes are uncomfortable

Uses a broader term to describe the unpleasant sensation.

FAQs

What does it mean when my eyes sting?

When your eyes sting, it indicates a sharp, irritating sensation. This can be caused by various factors such as environmental irritants like smoke or chemicals, allergies, dryness, or even emotional responses like crying.

What can I say instead of "eye stings"?

You can use alternatives like "eyes are irritated", "eyes feel a burning sensation", or "eyes are smarting" to describe a similar sensation.

What are common causes of "eye stings"?

Common causes include exposure to smoke, dust, pollen, or chemical fumes. Dry eye syndrome, allergies, and infections can also cause your "eyes are stinging".

Is "eye stings" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "eye stings" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.