an observation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an observation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of noticing or perceiving something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The study includes an observation of the behavior patterns of the subjects over a six-month period."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We observed 4 429 total deaths, excluding accidental deaths (n=192), from an observation of 421 754 person-years.

BMC Public Health

I tried to show that dichotomy in "Y Tu Mamá." The movie is an observation of teenagers coming of age, and it's an observation of a country coming of age.

The New York Times - Magazine

But that requires only an observation of a patron's immediate behavior, not a deep understanding of his medical history.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was noted that very familiar was an observation of fact, whereas too familiar was more of an editorial comment.

The New York Times - Sports

All in all, the film is less a story than an observation of character and a meditation on events.

The New York Times

KRISTEN WIIG, cast member, 2005-2012: A character's not me but it comes from me — it's an observation of a person in the world.

The New Yorker

It is an observation of this seasonal variation, or modulation, that the Rome group is reporting in its paper, he said.

The New York Times

As in the case of Hume, this too is an observation of regularities.

SEP

So should the CDMS result be taken as an observation of dark matter?

Science Magazine

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging system is usually an observation of the earths' surface.

Pattern Recognition

The model provides an observation of the diffusion of cooperation in using common resource.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "study", "analysis", or "examination" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "an observation of" in overly casual or informal writing where simpler terms like "seeing" or "noticing" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an observation of" typically functions as a noun phrase that introduces a subject for analysis or discussion. Ludwig examples confirm its use in academic, scientific, and general contexts, aligning with the AI's assessment of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

9.5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an observation of" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase commonly used to introduce a noted detail or finding across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase that sets the stage for analysis or discussion, predominantly in scientific and formal settings. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding the subject being observed and to consider more straightforward alternatives for informal contexts. With frequent appearances in reputable sources like The New York Times and scientific journals, mastering its usage enhances precision in both academic and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a study of

Focuses on a more in-depth and structured investigation.

an examination of

Implies a detailed inspection or investigation.

an analysis of

Highlights a systematic evaluation of data or information.

a review of

Suggests a critical assessment or overview.

a survey of

Indicates a broad overview or general investigation.

an inspection of

Implies a careful and critical visual examination.

a monitoring of

Highlights the continuous tracking and recording of something.

a scrutiny of

Suggests a close and critical examination, often implying suspicion.

a detection of

Emphasizes the act of discovering or identifying something.

a perception of

Focuses on the way something is understood or interpreted.

FAQs

How can I use "an observation of" in a sentence?

You can use "an observation of" to introduce a finding or a noticed detail, as in "An observation of the data revealed a significant trend."

What's a formal alternative to "an observation of"?

Formal alternatives include "an analysis of", "a study of", or "an examination of", each suggesting a more structured investigation.

How does "an observation of" differ from "a review of"?

"An observation of" typically refers to noticing or recording details, while "a review of" suggests a critical assessment or summary of something.

When is it best to use "an observation of" over simpler terms like "seeing"?

Use "an observation of" in formal or academic contexts where you want to emphasize the methodical or scientific nature of your noticing, rather than a casual impression.