sharp-eyed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp-eyed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is very observant or has keen eyesight, often in contexts where attention to detail is important. Example: "The sharp-eyed detective quickly noticed the small clue that everyone else had overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A SHARP-EYED coyote, dollars sprouting from his ears, glowers at the roadside.

The Economist

It is told in Julavits's signature style: sharp-eyed, sardonic, hilarious.

The New York Times - Books

Smith's sharp-eyed charcoals add kick.

The New York Times - Books

He's a sharp-eyed reporter still.

The New York Times - Books

The help is very sharp-eyed indeed.

The New York Times - Books

Only sharp-eyed spectators can tell which one is winning.

The Economist

Ms Bardach is particularly sharp-eyed about Cuban families.

The Economist

A sharp-eyed Palestinian might spot a comical contrast here.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Neighborhood birds have already discovered it, but visitors to the Biennial need to be sharp eyed.

The New York Times - Arts

Sharp eyed reader Mike noticed a little humor in the Nexus One manual screen shots.

TechCrunch

A sharp eyed blogger at the Web 2.0 Expo in SF spotted something rather interesting today at the Adobe booth.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp-eyed" when you want to emphasize someone's ability to notice subtle details or has good eyesight, especially in situations where careful observation is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp-eyed" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "observant" or "perceptive" might be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sharp-eyed" is as a compound adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone or something that possesses keen visual perception or attentiveness to detail, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp-eyed" is a compound adjective used to describe someone with keen visual perception or attentiveness to detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news media and literature. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in overly formal settings where alternatives like "observant" or "perceptive" may be more appropriate. Consider leveraging synonyms such as "keen-eyed" or "eagle-eyed" to diversify your writing. Its widespread usage across reputable sources underscores its validity and usefulness in describing someone's ability to notice subtle, easily missed details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen-eyed

Synonymous, but emphasizes enthusiasm and focus in observation.

eagle-eyed

Implies powerful, focused vision and attention to detail.

hawk-eyed

Similar to eagle-eyed, suggesting sharp, predatory observation skills.

observant

Focuses on the ability to notice and understand details.

perceptive

Highlights the ability to understand and interpret what is observed.

astute

Indicates cleverness and insight in observation.

discerning

Emphasizes the ability to differentiate and make fine distinctions.

vigilant

Highlights watchfulness and alertness.

attentive

Focuses on paying close attention.

quick-witted

Implies cleverness and the ability to understand things quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "sharp-eyed" in a sentence?

You can use "sharp-eyed" to describe someone who is very observant or has keen eyesight. For example: "The "sharp-eyed" detective noticed the discrepancy in the documents."

What are some synonyms for "sharp-eyed"?

Alternatives to "sharp-eyed" include "keen-eyed", "eagle-eyed", "hawk-eyed", and "observant". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "sharp-eyed" person?

Yes, "sharp-eyed" is an adjective that can be used to describe a person who is very observant or has excellent vision. It is grammatically correct to say ""sharp-eyed" person".

What is the difference between "sharp-eyed" and "observant"?

"Sharp-eyed" specifically relates to visual acuity and noticing details, while ""observant"" is a more general term that refers to being attentive and aware of one's surroundings through any of the senses, not just sight.