steady eye

USAGE SUMMARY

"steady eye" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe someone's focused and unwavering gaze. Example: The detective's steady eye never left the suspect's face as he interrogated him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Memorise them so you can make steady eye contact instead of staring rigidly at your notebook.

The Guardian

"I was an unhappy person who didn't like himself and didn't know why," he says, making steady eye contact.

The New York Times

Work is goodness: she sees her own work as a sculptor reflected in the steady eye and hand of the surgeon.

The Guardian - Arts

He maintained steady eye contact as he talked to me; his mouth had a deeper lower lip, his teeth were uneven.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With great precision and a steady eye, Ms. Sears paints circles around most of her contemporaries, who dare to cover such Surreal, historically laden ground.

The New York Times

Mr. Gilroy directs with a steady hand and a steady eye, too, with none of the visual frenzy that characterizes the "Bourne" thrillers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Sacha stared up at him with hard, steady eyes.

Nature

She stared at my mother with steady eyes.

The Guardian - Books

The contempt was palpable in Hillary Clinton too, as her usually steady eyes did everything but roll.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her dark, steady eyes can command a room and punctuate a shyly raspy laugh.

The New York Times

He is a tall man with a firm handshake and steady eyes who speaks rapidly and directly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steady eye" to convey a sense of unwavering focus, precision, or calm observation. This phrase is effective in describing someone's gaze or a director's vision in film.

Common error

While both involve looking intently, "steady eye" suggests focus and control, whereas staring can imply rudeness, shock, or invasiveness. Be mindful of the context to ensure the right impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steady eye" functions primarily as a descriptive term, often modifying a noun (like gaze, hand, or focus). It suggests qualities of focus, control, and unwavering attention. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steady eye" is a well-established and versatile expression, commonly used to describe someone or something characterized by unwavering focus, precision, and control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Our analysis reveals that it functions descriptively, conveying reliability and precision across diverse registers, from news and media to academic writing. While "steady eye" is versatile, it's important to avoid confusing it with similar terms like "sharp eye" or "staring", as the specific nuance depends on the context. By understanding its various applications and related phrases, writers can effectively leverage "steady eye" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focused gaze

Emphasizes the direction and concentration of sight.

unwavering gaze

Highlights the steadfast and resolute nature of the look.

keen observation

Shifts the focus to the act of observing with sharpness and attention.

sharp perspective

Focuses on having a clear and acute viewpoint or understanding.

attentive watch

Stresses the act of watching carefully and attentively.

vigilant outlook

Emphasizes alertness and watchfulness in one's perspective.

clear vision

Highlights the clarity and precision of sight or understanding.

discerning eye

Suggests the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments.

stable perspective

Highlights consistency and reliability in judgment or viewpoint.

resolute vision

Emphasizes determination and unwavering focus on a particular goal or view.

FAQs

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

You can use "steady eye" to describe a person's gaze (e.g., "The detective had a steady eye that never wavered") or to refer to someone's consistent focus (e.g., "The project required a steady eye on the budget").

What phrases are similar to "steady eye"?

Alternatives include "focused gaze", "unwavering gaze", or "keen observation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "steady eye" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "steady eye" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing qualities like focus, precision, or consistent oversight. Its usage is supported by examples from reputable news and academic sources.

What's the difference between "steady eye" and "sharp eye"?

"Steady eye" emphasizes consistency and unwavering focus, while "sharp eye" highlights the ability to notice details and make quick judgments. The best choice depends on the specific context.