sharp eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp eyes" is a correct phrase that is usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is alert, keen, and attentive. For example, "The detective had sharp eyes that seemed to notice and remember every detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

Describing physical appearance

Highlighting attentiveness and perception

Illustrating vigilance and awareness

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One should not confuse sharp eyes with a sharp tongue".

The New Yorker

Strong arms, sharp eyes, stoic indifference to danger.

The New York Times

He is surrounded by big yet agile men with guns and sharp eyes.

The Economist

Greene, who has a slim face and sharp eyes, palmed an egg.

The New Yorker

No wonder Dzerzhinsky always loved attentively gazing at "images" with his pair of sharp eyes.

The New York Times

He moves through the scholarly minefields with sharp eyes and historical good sense.

The Economist

Most of all, his sharp eyes glare watchfully at the enemy.

The Guardian - Arts

His sharp eyes picked up the tones of his heather-gray sweater.

The New York Times

To sharp eyes, the hype provided the chronicle of a death foretold.

The New York Times - Style

Pesky is a jovial man with an infielder's quickness and sharp eyes.

The New York Times - Sports

Muhssen is tall, built like a wrestler with small, sharp eyes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp eyes" to convey someone's ability to notice subtle details or perceive things that others might miss. It adds a layer of vividness to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp eyes" in overly dramatic or clichéd scenarios. While effective, overuse can diminish its impact; opt for more nuanced descriptions when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp eyes" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (eyes). It's typically used to describe someone's ability to see clearly and notice details, a notion supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Huffington Post

14%

The New York Times

12%

Less common in

Academia

2%

BBC

1%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sharp eyes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote keen observation or visual acuity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the multitude of examples showcase its usage across varied contexts, predominantly in news and media. While it's effective in conveying attentiveness, avoiding overuse in clichéd scenarios is advisable. Alternatives like "keen eyesight" or "discerning gaze" can offer nuanced variations. With a neutral register, "sharp eyes" is suitable for diverse writing styles, emphasizing its versatility and established presence in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen eyesight

Focuses specifically on the quality of vision.

discerning gaze

Emphasizes the insightful and perceptive nature of looking.

alert observation

Highlights the state of being watchful and attentive.

piercing stare

Suggests an intense and penetrating way of looking.

watchful eyes

Implies a sense of guardianship or protectiveness.

eagle eyes

Uses a metaphor to describe excellent vision and attention to detail.

observant outlook

Shifts the focus to a broader perspective of careful watching.

attentive vision

Highlights the quality of giving careful attention to what is seen.

perceptive sight

Emphasizes the ability to understand and interpret what is seen.

penetrating look

Suggests a thorough and insightful examination.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp eyes" to describe someone who is observant or perceptive. For example, "The detective had "sharp eyes" that noticed every detail."

What can I say instead of "sharp eyes"?

Alternatives include "keen eyesight", "discerning gaze", or "alert observation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "sharp eyes" or "discerning eyes"?

"Sharp eyes" generally refers to visual acuity and attentiveness, while "discerning eyes" suggests a deeper level of insight and understanding in what is being observed. The best choice depends on the context.

In what contexts is "sharp eyes" most appropriate?

"Sharp eyes" is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize someone's ability to notice details, spot potential dangers, or generally be very observant. It's commonly used in descriptions of detectives, scouts, or anyone whose job requires vigilance.