within sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within sight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that someone can see or is visible to them, such as a landmark, building, or person. For example: "I could see the Eiffel Tower in the distance, and it was within sight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The UK banking system is "within sight" of the optimal level of capital.

The Guardian - Money

And that in turn could mean the 2C goal remains "within sight".

Vice

Vision within sight.

The New York Times - Sports

The reading medium is within sight, too.

The Economist

And Paris is now almost within sight.

Independent

Two are within sight of the State Capitol.

The New York Times

There is not a neighbor within sight.

The New York Times - Books

Sixty-six is within range, it is within sight.

The Guardian - Sport

Again, the goal appears to be within sight.

The New York Times - Travel

In British waters, within sight of the shore.

The Guardian

He seems to know he is within sight of both.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "within sight" to clearly indicate that something is visible, either literally or figuratively, such as a goal or achievement. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being seen or approached.

Common error

Avoid using "within sight" when you mean something is simply 'nearby' without a visual component. It's best suited for situations where visibility, either physical or metaphorical, is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within sight" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying nouns or verbs to indicate visibility or proximity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Sports

15%

Travel

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "within sight" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate visibility or proximity, both literally and figuratively. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is considered grammatically correct and very common. It appears frequently in news media, sports reporting, and travel writing. When using "within sight", ensure that the context clearly relates to visual perception or near achievement, avoiding confusion with simple proximity. Consider alternatives like "in view" or "on the horizon" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in view

Emphasizes the act of seeing something, often suggesting it's directly observable.

visible

Focuses on the capability of being seen, highlighting the object's visibility.

discernible

Suggests something can be recognized or perceived, implying clarity.

in range

Indicates proximity or accessibility, not necessarily visual.

on the horizon

Implies something is upcoming or nearing, often used metaphorically.

close by

Indicates physical nearness, not specifically visual.

at hand

Suggests something is readily available or achievable.

near enough

Emphasizes sufficient proximity, either physically or metaphorically.

within reach

Focuses on the attainability or accessibility of something.

approaching

Highlights the act of nearing a specific location or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "within sight" in a sentence?

Use "within sight" to describe something visible or nearly achievable, such as "The finish line was finally within sight" or "They kept the suspect within sight at all times".

What are some alternatives to "within sight"?

You can use alternatives like "in view", "visible", or "on the horizon" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "within sight of"?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. The phrase "within sight of" is commonly used to indicate something is near or close to being achieved or reached, as in "They were within sight of victory".

What's the difference between "within sight" and "in the distance"?

"Within sight" implies visibility, while "in the distance" focuses on how far away something is. You can see something that's "within sight", but something "in the distance" is far away but still perceptible.