skillful eye

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skillful eye" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a keen ability to notice details or assess situations accurately, often in contexts related to art, craftsmanship, or observation. Example: "The artist's skillful eye allowed her to capture the subtleties of light and shadow in her paintings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I'm quite sure that Narciso Rodriguez doesn't qualify as an avant-garde designer, but during a visit to his studio later in the day, I certainly wondered if a skillful eye and hand might be radical.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The designs and execution of the painting are highly complex, and skillful, although to my eyes too derivative of illuminations in Hebrew manuscripts.

The New York Times

It's a skillful construction, encouraging our eyes to the simplest comparisons pipe, cigar, cigarette; fedora, flat cap, Panama and also to the subtler: sculptural cheeks and jowls, lips held and pressed in preparation or preoccupation, heads dipped slightly against the light, or lifted to meet it.

The New Yorker

Imagine being skillful in your mind's eye and you'll be skillful in reality.

WikiHow

So the regular guy isn't so regular after all – but now he's on the other side, unembarrassable and skillful enough to turn his eye-popping biography into truly fantastic stand-up, as Richard Pryor did all those years ago.

Independent

With her skillful reporting, fine prose and excellent eye for period detail, Koppel has given it a lovely shine: especially since she miraculously managed to track down — and befriend — Wolfson, who is now in her 90s.

The New York Times - Books

"It must be 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy'!" "Skillful deduction, Watson" said HOLMES.

The New York Times

He was a shrewd businessman, with an eye for a deal, a skillful hand with a poker deck and a desire to impress.

The New York Times

But all eyes are on the dramatically skillful Paolo Guerrero, Copa América's leading scorer in the last two tournaments.

The Guardian - Sport

Cheney's handlers were skillful in keeping Cheney away from the public eye.

Huffington Post

Mr. Soderbergh is a skillful orchestrator of moods and effects, with a sharp eye for the telling details and uncomfortable contradictions of modern life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skillful eye" to describe someone's ability to notice subtle details or make accurate assessments, especially in fields like art, design, or craftsmanship.

Common error

Avoid using "skillful eye" when referring to physical eyesight; it describes an aptitude for noticing and understanding, not visual acuity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skillful eye" functions as an adjective-noun combination that describes a particular quality or ability. It indicates a honed or inherent talent for observation and discernment. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable and appropriate in written English to describe someone with a keen ability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "skillful eye" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to describe an individual's aptitude for noticing subtle details and making accurate assessments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. While not overly common, it appears in various reputable sources, including The New York Times and The New Yorker, primarily within the contexts of News & Media, Wiki, and Science. Alternatives such as "keen eye" or "discerning eye" offer similar connotations, while the most effective usage involves describing aptitude in fields like art, design, or craftsmanship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen eye

Emphasizes sharpness and attentiveness in observation.

discerning eye

Highlights the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments.

trained eye

Suggests that the ability comes from experience and learning.

sharp eye

Focuses on the quickness and accuracy of perception.

critical eye

Implies an analytical and evaluative approach to observation.

attentive gaze

Highlights the act of paying close attention while looking.

observant perspective

Shifts the focus to the viewpoint and its capacity for noticing details.

perceptive insight

Emphasizes the depth of understanding gained through observation.

astute observation

Highlights cleverness and shrewdness in noticing things.

experienced viewpoint

Highlights the perspective someone has gained after a number of experiences.

FAQs

What does "skillful eye" mean?

A "skillful eye" refers to the ability to notice details and subtleties that others might miss. It implies a trained or natural aptitude for observation and assessment.

How can I use "skillful eye" in a sentence?

You can use "skillful eye" to describe someone who is good at noticing details or making accurate judgments. For example, "The artist's "skillful eye" allowed her to capture the subtleties of light and shadow."

What are some synonyms for "skillful eye"?

Alternatives include "keen eye", "discerning eye", or "trained eye". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "skillful eye" in formal writing?

Yes, "skillful eye" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a descriptive phrase that can add depth to your writing, as long as it fits the context and tone of your piece.