eyes widened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eyes widened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone's eyes become wider due to surprise, shock, or fear. For example: On seeing the news, her eyes widened in horror.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms. Kueber's eyes widened.

The New York Times

His eyes widened slightly.

The New Yorker

Her eyes widened.

The New Yorker

Shaquera's eyes widened.

The New Yorker

His eyes widened.

The New York Times

Thome's eyes widened.

The New York Times

Grant's eyes widened.

The New York Times - Sports

The boy's eyes widened.

The New Yorker

Jelena's eyes widened.

The New Yorker

O'Hara's eyes widened.

The New Yorker

Entrekin's eyes widened.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eyes widened" to vividly depict a character's reaction to surprising or shocking news, enhancing the narrative's emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "eyes widened" excessively, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions of surprise or shock with alternative phrases or focus on other physical reactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eyes widened" functions as a descriptive element, typically part of a larger sentence, detailing a character's reaction. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its function is to provide a visual cue to the reader about the character's emotional state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "eyes widened" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English to depict surprise, shock, or awe. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and common. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it effectively provides a visual cue to the reader about a character's emotional state. To enhance your writing, use "eyes widened" judiciously, opting for related phrases like ""eyes grew wide"" or ""jaw dropped"" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eyes grew wide

Slightly more descriptive and emphasizes the process of widening.

eyes popped open

Suggests a more sudden and surprised reaction.

eyes opened wide

Similar to "eyes grew wide", but places emphasis on the state of being open.

eyes expanded

Emphasizes the increase in size, often implying surprise or shock.

eyes grew large

Highlights the size change, potentially indicating fear or astonishment.

eyes became wide

More formal and descriptive, focusing on the change in state.

eyes nearly popped out

Figurative, expresses extreme surprise.

eyes stretched wide

Emphasizes the physical stretching of the eyes, often due to surprise or fear.

a look of surprise crossed their face

More descriptive and less direct than "eyes widened".

jaw dropped

Indicates extreme surprise or shock through a different physical reaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "eyes widened" to describe a character's reaction to a surprising or shocking event. For example, "Upon hearing the news, her eyes widened in disbelief."

What can I say instead of "eyes widened"?

You can use alternatives like "eyes grew wide", "eyes popped open", or "jaw dropped" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "eyes widened"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "eyes widened" can make your writing feel repetitive. Consider using alternative descriptions of surprise or shock, or focusing on other physical reactions.

How does the intensity of "eyes widened" compare to other expressions of surprise?

"Eyes widened" suggests a moderate level of surprise. For more intense reactions, consider phrases like ""eyes popped open"" or ""jaw dropped"". For milder surprise, "raised an eyebrow" might be more appropriate.