I've been noticing

USAGE SUMMARY

"I've been noticing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that you recently saw and that has been attracting your attention. For example: "I've been noticing a strange noise coming from the attic - maybe I should go up and check it out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

At least as long as I've been noticing food.

Independent

And I've been noticing a lack of engagement even on that critical point.

The New York Times

But in recent months I've been noticing his live-action counterparts.

The New York Times - Arts

And that's another thing I've been noticing this season: that it's impossible to talk about football except in cliches.

The Guardian - Sport

As winter starts to bite, I've been noticing some non-seasonal changes to my leafy London neighbourhood.

The Guardian - Music

I've been noticing a trend in articles by young theatre-makers addressing the forthcoming cuts in arts funding.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I have been noticing a trend in anti-travel books.

The New Yorker

The confederate would say: "I have been noticing you around campus and I find you to be very attractive".

The New York Times

But in trying to describe what I can remember of the Garfield time I have been noticing a contradiction.

The New Yorker

I have been noticing, with sadness, that politicians do not even bother invoking the American Dream anymore.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I have been noticing more crimes happening," said Julie Cormier, 28, who lives in Kips Bay in Manhattan and was leaving the subway station yesterday on her way to work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I've been noticing" to introduce an observation or trend that you've recently become aware of, providing context or examples to support your statement.

Common error

While "I've been noticing" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language like "It has been observed" or "Studies indicate" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I've been noticing" functions as an introductory clause to express a recent observation or awareness. It sets the stage for a statement based on personal experience, as supported by Ludwig's examples, allowing the speaker to introduce a new idea or trend they've become aware of.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I've been noticing" is a grammatically sound phrase commonly used to introduce a recent observation or trend, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves as a versatile tool for expressing personal awareness and setting the stage for further discussion, according to Ludwig. While suitable for many contexts, it's best to use more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. Based on the examples, the phrase finds frequent use in news and media outlets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I've observed

Replaces "noticing" with a more formal synonym, implying a deliberate act of watching.

I've become aware of

Indicates a gradual understanding or realization of something.

I've seen a trend of

Highlights the observation of a pattern or recurring behavior.

I've detected

Suggests a subtle or less obvious observation.

I've noted

Implies a formal or documented observation.

It has come to my attention

Indicates that information has been brought to the speaker's awareness.

I've realized

Focuses on the moment of understanding or awareness.

I've started to see

Emphasizes the beginning of a new awareness or understanding.

What I've found is

Highlights a discovery or conclusion based on observation.

I've been watching

Emphasizes ongoing observation over a period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "I've been noticing" in a sentence?

You can use "I've been noticing" to introduce an observation or trend. For example, "I've been noticing a lot more people are working remotely these days".

What are some alternatives to "I've been noticing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I've observed", "I've become aware of", or "It has come to my attention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I've been noticing" formal or informal?

"I've been noticing" falls on the neutral to slightly informal side. In very formal writing, consider using a more precise or academic alternative.

When is it appropriate to use "I've been noticing"?

It's appropriate when you want to share something you've recently observed or realized, particularly if it's a trend or a change. It's less suitable for reporting established facts or research findings.