a keen observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a keen observation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone has made a particularly insightful or accurate observation. For example: "He made a keen observation about the state of the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Attributed to Frans Boels is a tiny jewel-like mountain landscape glowing with a naturalistic sense of light and atmosphere that reflects a keen observation of nature.

The New York Times - Arts

Designed according to the Modulor, his system of proportion that blended the Golden Section with a keen observation of human measurements, the cabin was a tightly orchestrated arrangement of built-ins, including a table-desk, bookcases, two beds, a wardrobe, a tiny sink and a toilet in one corner of the room.

The New York Times - Magazine

A keen observation of the structures and the surface pattern revealed that it was composed of many nanoparticles (Fig. 3b).

Chemistry Central Journal

That's a keen observation.

Los Angeles Times

We remove facial hair!" It's a keen observation from a veteran performer who has honed a highly successful solo act for years.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It wasn't until he was 21, after three years spent persuading a local shop to take him on, that he was employed on what he describes as a "very hardcore apprenticeship" – a mix of keen observation and intense training in studio hygiene that saw a year pass before he was allowed to touch a client.

The Guardian - Money

A small-town boy with a gift for keen observation, Mr. McCloskey wrote and illustrated only eight books, all for Viking Children's Books, and illustrated 10 by other authors, including Ruth Sawyer, whose daughter, Margaret Durand, a children's librarian, he married in 1940.

The New York Times - Arts

On a recent afternoon in his office at Teachers College, Dr. Emdin likened the skills required for success in science to those of a good rapper: curiosity, keen observation, an ability to use metaphor and draw connections.

The New York Times

With a background in performing arts, journalism, fashion design, creative direction and more, he imbues his work with a thoughtfulness and keen observation of the world around him.

Vice

Important lessons learned from that seminal work included the need for a process that balanced keen observation with efficient throughput effected through a team-based approach.

Briefings in Functional Genomics

Dr. Cornel West was spot-on with his keen observation: DI-A-LOGUE is the soul of democracy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a keen observation" to highlight an insight that is both accurate and not immediately obvious. It suggests a level of intelligence and attention to detail on the part of the observer.

Common error

Avoid using "a keen observation" when the observation is trivial or self-evident. 'Keen' implies a sharpness of intellect that would be misplaced in describing mundane perceptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a keen observation" functions as a noun phrase, where 'keen' modifies 'observation'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and indicates an insightful or accurate assessment. It often acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, highlighting the quality of the observation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a keen observation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an insightful and sharp perception. While relatively rare in overall usage, it finds its primary contexts in news, media, scientific, and formal business domains. According to Ludwig AI, this expression effectively commends someone's ability to notice and understand something significant, suggesting a deeper level of insight. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the observation being described is indeed noteworthy, avoiding its application to trivial matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an insightful observation

Replaces 'keen' with 'insightful', emphasizing the depth of understanding.

a sharp insight

Uses 'sharp' to describe the quality of the insight, suggesting quick and accurate perception.

an astute remark

Shifts from 'observation' to 'remark', highlighting the expression of the insight.

a perceptive analysis

Focuses on the analytical aspect, suggesting a deeper examination leading to the observation.

a clever deduction

Emphasizes the logical reasoning behind the observation.

a noteworthy finding

Highlights the significance of the observation as a discovered piece of information.

a critical insight

Uses 'critical' to imply a judgment is involved.

a profound realization

Conveys a deep and impactful understanding.

an incisive comment

Suggests the observation is direct and cuts to the core of the matter.

a telling point

Indicates the observation reveals something important or significant.

FAQs

How can I use "a keen observation" in a sentence?

You can use "a keen observation" to describe an insightful or perceptive remark, for example, "Her success was due to her "a keen observation" of market trends".

What are some alternatives to "a keen observation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an insightful observation", "a sharp insight", or "an astute remark" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a keen observation" or "an astute observation"?

Both "a keen observation" and "an astute observation" are correct, but "astute" emphasizes cleverness and discernment, while "keen" highlights sharpness and eagerness in perception.

What does it mean when someone makes "a keen observation"?

It means they've noticed something important or interesting that others may have missed. It suggests intellectual sharpness and attentiveness.