sightings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sightings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of seeing or observing something, often in the context of wildlife, UFOs, or other phenomena. Example: "The recent sightings of the rare bird have excited local birdwatchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Environment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The park's peripheral areas have never been so densely populated, and Vidya Athreya, India's leading expert on leopard-human conflict, thinks this has led to the increase in sightings.

The Guardian

"I started logging sightings in 1975 - I was pretty unconvinced, but by the time it got round to 1979, so many people had seen so many things there was no real doubt they were out there".

The Guardian

Usually found between China and eastern Europe, an unprecedented migration of this large, mobile butterfly last summer saw at least 30 sightings in Britain, mainly concentrated in Norfolk but also as far north as Tyneside and west to Devon.

The Guardian

At other times, rooms cost $335 and since it's a favoured billet for actors who don't have a home in LA, the star quota is always high, with regular sightings of Keira Knightley, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Jude Law.

The Guardian - Travel

And why were the details of witnesses who reported suspicious sightings to the British military police, not passed on to the German authorities?

The Guardian

There is a respect for our area now and no sightings of a sex worker for a long time.

The Guardian - Film

Ghosts can be site-specific: any given place can harbour multiple rumours and tales of sightings, possessions or the uncanny feeling of being "not alone".

The Guardian - Opinion

shulamit-diving.com Andrew Ramsey The wildlife underwater around Mombasa is as breathtaking as on a land safari, with regular sightings of sharks and turtles over miles of coral reef.

The Guardian - Travel

The law enforcement agency stresses that members of the public should report any sightings of the fugitives to Interpol or their national police force, and not approach them directly.

The Guardian

The last sightings of Annette and Anneli were recorded on the same day that Gemma's body was dragged from Belstead Brook.

The Guardian

The executive director of the wildlife centre says there have only been 16 documented sightings of rufous hummingbirds in Minnesota since the 1970s.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about wildlife or rare events, use "sightings" to convey the sense of something being observed or recorded in a specific location and time.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "sightings", which refers to instances of seeing something, with "sites", which refers to locations or places. Using the wrong word can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sightings" is as a plural noun, typically referring to instances or reports of seeing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Travel

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "sightings" functions as a plural noun denoting instances of seeing or observing something, often in the context of wildlife, rare events, or unusual phenomena. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and frequent across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. The frequency of "sightings" indicates its relevance in reporting observations. When using "sightings", it is important to ensure it's not confused with "sites", and to assess the reliability of the reported instances. Alternative terms include "observations", "appearances", and "encounters", each offering a slightly different nuance. Remember to use "sightings" when reporting about observations, locations and time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observations

Replaces "sightings" with a more formal term, emphasizing the act of careful watching and recording.

views

Refers to the act of looking at something and suggests a deliberate observation.

appearances

Focuses on the act of something becoming visible, offering a broader scope than just the act of seeing.

encounters

Highlights the interaction or experience of seeing something, suggesting a more personal or impactful event.

reports

Shifts the focus to the documented accounts of seeing something, rather than the act of seeing itself.

witnessings

Emphasizes the act of being present and seeing something happen, often in a legal or formal context.

visions

Implies a more imaginative or dreamlike experience of seeing, often used for supernatural or spiritual contexts.

perceptions

Highlights the way something is understood or interpreted through sight.

spectacles

Highlights something impressive or remarkable that is seen.

revelations

Focuses on the revealing aspect of seeing something new or unexpected.

FAQs

How can I use "sightings" in a sentence?

You can use "sightings" to describe instances of seeing something, such as "The increase in leopard "sightings" in Mumbai is a cause for concern" or "There have been numerous "sightings" of rare birds in the park".

What's the difference between "sightings" and "observations"?

"Sightings" generally refers to instances of seeing something, often unexpectedly or of interest. "Observations", on the other hand, implies a more deliberate and systematic act of watching and recording information.

Are "sightings" always reliable?

No, "sightings" can be unreliable, especially if they are unconfirmed or based on anecdotal evidence. Always consider the source and context of the "sightings" before drawing conclusions.

What are some common things people report as "sightings"?

Common "sightings" include wildlife, unidentified flying objects (UFOs), celebrities, and rare or unusual events. The credibility of these "sightings" varies greatly.