probing eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probing eyes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is looking intently or searchingly at another person, often implying curiosity or scrutiny. Example: "She felt uncomfortable under his probing eyes, as if he could see right through her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Are you tired or fresh when you wake up?" she asked with probing eyes.

The New York Times - Travel

Perhaps most important, putting women on audit committees seems to assuage shareholders who, in the post-Enron environment, are clamoring for impartial, probing eyes to review corporate behavior.

The New York Times

She has brown hair and big, probing eyes, just like Dad.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Baratz, whose tentative smile and probing eyes seem to work in concert, came to this film almost by accident.

The New York Times

We have sent these probing eyes catapulting in long orbits, sweeping past planets and their moons (as with the Galileo or Cassini missions), or (as with the Mars rovers) stubbornly exploring the planetary surface, or (as with Voyager 2) ultimately veering outward in silent millennial journeys through deep space.

The New York Times - Arts

To run through every detail here would take a while, so here's the XML file, laid bare for your probing eyes to take in.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He also doubts that the probing eye of round-the-clock TV news will ensure that the mass delusion and passivity of democracies in the 1930s never recurs.

The Guardian

As money starts flowing in from new oilfields, some of which will not fall under the probing eye of the committee, the government may feel empowered to ignore nagging foreigners.

The Economist

Despite the GOP's attempt to shut television's probing eye, the demonstrators used social media like Facebook and Twitter to get out their story, putting their cell phones to good use and sending out photos and video of their action across the country and the world (C-SPAN wound up putting much of their footage on the air).

Huffington Post

These include using open and closed questions, probing, eye-contact, echoing, checking and formulating meaning.

BMC Family Practice

Only his probing brown eyes, alternating between sad and steely, hint at more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "probing eyes" to vividly describe a character's intense curiosity or scrutiny, adding depth to your narrative. It works well to convey a sense of unease or investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "probing eyes" in overly dramatic or clichéd situations. Instead, opt for more nuanced descriptions that capture the specific emotion or intent behind the gaze, adding originality to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probing eyes" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding detail and characterization to a subject. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its use in portraying intent observation or scrutiny. Examples show its application in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "probing eyes" is a versatile and vivid descriptor used to convey intense scrutiny, curiosity, or investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media sources and Science. When you deploy it, aim for originality to avoid clichés, and ensure the phrase aligns seamlessly with your intended tone and context. Understanding the nuances of "probing eyes" allows you to bring depth and intrigue to your writing, painting a clear picture of characters and their intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

searching gaze

Focuses on the act of searching visually, emphasizing intent.

penetrating gaze

Highlights the intensity and ability to see beyond the surface.

intense stare

Emphasizes the unwavering and concentrated nature of the look.

scrutinizing eyes

Focuses on the critical and detailed examination through sight.

piercing eyes

Conveys a sharp, almost uncomfortable level of visual intensity.

inquisitive eyes

Highlights the curious and questioning nature of the look.

observant eyes

Emphasizes the capability of noticing and registering details.

discerning gaze

Focuses on the ability to judge and understand what is seen.

investigative eyes

Implies a deliberate effort to uncover information visually.

analytical eyes

Highlights the logical and systematic examination through sight.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "probing eyes" in a sentence?

Use "probing eyes" to describe a character's intense gaze, suggesting curiosity, scrutiny, or even suspicion. For example, "The detective's "searching gaze" swept across the room, missing no detail."

What's the difference between "probing eyes" and "piercing eyes"?

"Probing eyes" suggest an intent to uncover information, while "piercing eyes" imply a sharp, almost uncomfortable intensity. The former seeks knowledge, the latter conveys a sense of discomfort or intimidation.

Are there any formal alternatives to the phrase "probing eyes"?

In formal contexts, you might consider using "scrutinizing gaze" or "investigative eyes" for a more professional tone. These alternatives emphasize a careful and detailed examination.

Can "probing eyes" be used in scientific writing?

While "probing eyes" is more common in narrative or descriptive writing, it can be used metaphorically in scientific contexts. For instance, you could describe a scientific analysis as having "analytical eyes", to probe the data for deeper meaning.