grim eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grim eyes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's eyes that convey a serious, stern, or foreboding expression, often reflecting a somber mood or attitude. Example: "As she entered the room, her grim eyes scanned the faces of her colleagues, revealing the weight of the news she was about to share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Littleton returned to his truck and clipped Mr. Borbon's mug shot — slicked-back hair, a salt-and-pepper moustache, grim eyes with dark circles underneath — onto his sun visor.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The government agreed reluctantly to the mission and keeps a grim eye on it.

The New York Times - Books

I go outside and stand in the cold, smoking a cigarette, under the grim eye of the Wehrmacht eagles watching from our World War II-era barracks.

The New York Times

The last of these institutions were shut down in 1996, and Peter Mullan's grim, eye-opening drama about them is well worth taping or staying up late for.

The New York Times

Love… is immersed in fathoms of disco and synth-pop past, but with a grim eye on a parlous present of bankers' bonuses and tough times, in which our jilted, exiled lover rediscovers the radical pleasure of "drinking tea like Tony Benn".

The Guardian - Music

Pessimistic companies tend to slog away "solving problems," always with a grim eye on retrieving sunk costs.

Forbes

Losing bin Laden: How Bill Clinton's Failures Unleashed Global Terror by Richard Miniter (Regnery, $27.95 chronicless in grim, eye-popping detail how the Clinton Administration mortally bungled our pre-9/11 efforts against global terrorism.

Forbes

At Telluride fest, two films cast grim eye on Mideast.

Los Angeles Times

Old official photographs show a medaled military mannequin, a 6-foot-3-inch 240-pounder with grim determined eyes.

The New York Times

He would be another Ann Widdecombe or John Sergeant, plodding through the motions with grim determination, eyes beseeching the public to end this weekly misery.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In his recent action films, though, his face is more often a palate for grim determination: eyes wide, eyebrows raised in terror, jaw clenched as he leaps some enormous chasm or scrambles up some ledge.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grim eyes" to vividly depict a character's internal state or emotional condition in your writing, particularly when conveying seriousness, despair, or determination. The phrase can create a strong impression on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "grim eyes" in situations where the context is already overly dramatic or melodramatic. Overusing descriptive phrases can detract from the story and make the writing seem heavy-handed. Consider using more subtle language to convey the character's emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grim eyes" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It adds detail and conveys a specific emotional state associated with the eyes of the subject. Ludwig shows the phrase is used to paint a picture of seriousness and a somber mood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grim eyes" is an effective descriptor used to convey a sense of seriousness, despair, or determination through one's gaze. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable, particularly in news and media contexts. The phrase's impact lies in its ability to vividly depict a character's internal state or emotional condition. Related phrases, such as "stern gaze" or "somber eyes", offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. When using "grim eyes", it's best to avoid overuse in overly dramatic contexts, maintaining a balance for effective storytelling. Overall, "grim eyes" serves as a potent tool in descriptive writing, offering a concise way to communicate profound emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious eyes

Simply highlights the grave and thoughtful nature of the eyes.

stern gaze

Emphasizes the severity and strictness conveyed in the look.

sad eyes

Directly points to the presence of sadness.

somber eyes

Highlights the sadness and seriousness reflected in the eyes.

melancholy eyes

Underscores the sadness and mournfulness reflected in the eyes.

determined eyes

Focuses on the resolute and unwavering nature of the gaze.

despairing eyes

Conveys a sense of hopelessness and loss in the gaze.

piercing eyes

Conveys an intense and penetrating look.

intense stare

Focuses on the intensity and unwavering nature of the gaze.

cold eyes

Suggests a lack of warmth or emotion in the eyes.

FAQs

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

You can use "grim eyes" to describe someone's expression, emphasizing their serious or somber mood. For example, "The detective's grim eyes revealed the weight of the case he was investigating."

What are some alternatives to "grim eyes"?

You can use alternatives like "stern gaze", "somber eyes", or "determined eyes" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the eyes were grim" instead of "grim eyes"?

While grammatically correct, "the eyes were grim" is less common and may not convey the intended meaning as effectively as "grim eyes", which acts as a compound adjective modifying the gaze or expression.

What does it mean when someone is described as having "grim eyes"?

It typically means that the person's eyes reflect a serious, stern, or unhappy state of mind, often suggesting that they are facing a difficult or unpleasant situation.