eyeing up

USAGE SUMMARY

"eyeing up" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing someone looking at someone or something with interest or desire. Example: She was eyeing up the new dress in the shop window. Alternative expressions include "checking out" and "looking at."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But I'm eyeing up a 80GB one?

The Guardian

Botham says England are "eyeing up 300".

The Guardian - Sport

I'm still there, eyeing up strange men.

The Guardian - Travel

Eyeing up an Oppo F1 Plus.

MIT Technology Review

Its agribusiness giants are also eyeing up Africa.

The Economist

A tidy catch and the cat's eyeing up the pidgeons.

The Guardian - Sport

Moreover, CamSemi is eyeing up even bigger markets.

The Guardian

Now his agent is eyeing up opportunities in England.

The Guardian

It's a warm autumn morning and a donkey is eyeing up my elevenses.

Independent

Haier is by no means the only Chinese firm eyeing up the rest of the world.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He was hanging around a nearby table surreptitiously eyeing-up a full but unattended pint.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "eyeing up" with specific adjectives to better characterize the intensity, intent, or nature of interest someone is showing.

Common error

While "eyeing up" is widely understood, it can sound too informal or suggestive in professional documents or academic writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "considering", "evaluating", or "assessing" depending on your intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "eyeing up" functions primarily as a verb expressing an action of looking at something with interest or desire, often with an intention to acquire or examine further. As Ludwig shows, it's commonly used to describe both literal visual assessment and more abstract consideration of opportunities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Travel

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eyeing up" is a phrasal verb that effectively conveys looking at something with interest or desire. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral to informal, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "considering" or "evaluating" in professional settings. The phrase's widespread use is supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist, establishing it as a reliable and understood expression in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

checking out

More informal and suggests a casual inspection.

considering

Focuses more on the mental process of evaluation rather than the physical act of looking.

sizing up

Implies an assessment of someone or something, often in a competitive context.

contemplating

Implies a more thoughtful and prolonged consideration.

looking at

A general term for directing one's gaze, lacking the implication of desire or interest.

evaluating

Focuses on judging the value or quality.

observing

Focuses on watching something carefully.

assessing

Emphasizes the act of determining the importance or size of something.

inspecting

Suggests a detailed examination.

scrutinizing

Indicates a critical and thorough examination.

FAQs

What does "eyeing up" mean?

"Eyeing up" means looking at someone or something with interest, desire, or intention. It suggests more than just a casual glance.

What can I say instead of "eyeing up"?

You can use alternatives like "considering", "checking out", or "sizing up" depending on the context.

Is "eyeing up" formal or informal?

"Eyeing up" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "evaluating" or "assessing".

How do I use "eyeing up" in a sentence?

You can use "eyeing up" to describe someone looking at something they want, such as "She was eyeing up the last piece of cake" or "The company is eyeing up potential investment opportunities".