sizing us up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sizing us up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of assessing or evaluating someone or something, often in a critical or judgmental manner. Example: "As we entered the room, I could feel the other guests sizing us up, trying to determine our status and intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"He was sizing us up," Cushing said.

The New York Times - Sports

He eyed us warily, sizing us up as predators or competitors.

The New Yorker

He was sizing us up again, looking at Fangfang's high-heeled shoes and our travel bags in the grass.

The New Yorker

Rather than purely sizing us up for prey, she begins to be consumed with curiosity about our peculiar species, and to release us from her claws.

The New Yorker

Donahoe flitted among us as we took our seats, sizing us up for roles: he showed a talent for both casting (the man next to me did look decidedly vet-like) and for coaxing performances (as a comic he's no stranger to improv).

The Guardian

Sizing us up as auction types, he shared news of an auction in nearby Twin Sisters, which shows up as a pinprick on the map.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Jay had apparently sized us up, however, and decided we couldn't afford to waste our time on formalities.

The New York Times - Travel

Old, suspicious eyes sized us up as we made our way past kosher butchers and shabby tailor shops.

The New York Times - Travel

On the first night, a Saturday, Skip sized us up in silence as we admired the 60 or more horses in the Ashleys' field in Lander.

The New York Times - Travel

Our instructor, Flavio, lean and handsome, sizes us up and hands us wetsuits: medium for me, extra large for Stephen, and what appears to be one shaped for a pregnant woman for Martin.

The Guardian - Travel

We joined a small throng, and the guides sized us up with two questions: "Parlez-vous Français?" and "How fast do you ski?" We answered oui, and vite, and for the next two hours we did our best to keep up with Giles, a ruddy, elfin swimming pool salesman old enough to be my father, one of a local crew who introduced newcomers to Tremblant in exchange for a free season's pass.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sizing us up" when you want to convey a sense of evaluation or assessment, often implying a critical or strategic viewpoint. It's particularly effective when describing how someone is assessing a group's capabilities or intentions.

Common error

Avoid using "sizing us up" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable in news and general contexts, it might be perceived as too colloquial in scholarly articles or formal reports. Consider alternatives like "evaluating our potential" or "assessing our capabilities" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sizing us up" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of evaluating or assessing a group. It suggests a deliberate attempt to understand the qualities, capabilities, or intentions of the group being assessed. As Ludwig shows, this evaluation can occur in various social and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sizing us up" is a commonly used phrasal verb that describes the act of evaluating or assessing a group of people. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to consider the level of formality in your writing and choose alternative phrases like "assessing us" or "evaluating us" for more formal settings. The related phrases provide a range of options to convey similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression. By understanding the nuances of "sizing us up", writers can effectively communicate the idea of assessment in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

checking us out

An informal way of saying someone is observing or evaluating.

assessing our capabilities

Focuses specifically on evaluating abilities, narrower scope.

forming an opinion of us

Highlights the development of a subjective view.

evaluating our potential

Emphasizes future possibilities rather than present state.

taking stock of us

Suggests a comprehensive review or inventory.

getting a feel for us

Focuses on understanding through intuition and experience.

judging our worth

Implies a more critical and possibly negative assessment.

scrutinizing our actions

Implies close and critical observation of behavior.

analyzing our strengths

Concentrates on positive attributes through detailed examination.

examining our qualifications

Specifically refers to reviewing credentials or suitability.

FAQs

How can I use "sizing us up" in a sentence?

You can use "sizing us up" to describe someone evaluating a group's capabilities or intentions. For example, "The coach was sizing us up during the tryouts to determine who would make the team."

What's a less informal alternative to "sizing us up"?

For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "assessing us" or "evaluating us". These options convey a similar meaning but with a more professional tone.

Is "sizing us up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sizing us up" is grammatically correct. It's a phrasal verb that combines the verb "size" with the preposition "up", and it's commonly used in English.

What does it mean when someone is "sizing us up"?

When someone is "sizing us up", they are evaluating or assessing a group of people, often to form an opinion or make a judgment about their capabilities, intentions, or worth.