are being observed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being observed" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to an observation that is taking place in the present. For example, "The students are being observed by their teacher during today's math lesson."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One former senior State Department official said the American Embassy gets involved typically to let the foreign government know that Washington is observing whether basic human rights are being observed.

The New York Times

Since inmates never know whether they are being observed, they must act as if they are always objects of observation.

SEP

You talk differently when you are being observed.

The New York Times

Ageing effects are being observed with HDPE.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Imagine you are being observed from all angles and are supposed to weep freely.

The Guardian - Opinion

They also send a clear warning signal to the authorities that their actions are being observed.

The Guardian

Many animals respond to eyes and alter their behavior when they sense they are being observed.

The New York Times

It happens when they are being observed as if in a goldfish bowl.

The Guardian - Travel

The effect is more as though the surroundings are being observed through the cataract-scarred eyes of an old man.

The Guardian - Film

Marsh said that obesity levels began to rise significantly in the 1980s and could already be contributing to increasing numbers of dementia cases that are being observed today.

The Guardian

At least 260 people who came into close contact with the patients are being observed, and at least five others with fevers have been isolated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being observed", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the observing and who or what is being observed for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are being observed" when an active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "Mistakes are being observed by the team", consider "The team is observing mistakes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being observed" functions as a passive present continuous verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is currently undergoing the action of being watched or monitored. Ludwig examples demonstrate the phrase's use in various contexts to denote ongoing observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

42%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are being observed" functions as a passive present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing process of being watched or monitored. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is doing the observing. Alternative phrases like "are under observation" or "are being monitored" can offer subtle variations in meaning and emphasis, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are under observation

Replaces "being observed" with "under observation", focusing on the state of being watched.

are being watched

Uses a simpler and more direct synonym for "observed".

are being monitored

Substitutes "observed" with "monitored", emphasizing the act of tracking progress or changes.

are currently being observed

Highlights the current timing of the observation.

are being kept under surveillance

Replaces "observed" with "kept under surveillance", suggesting a more secretive and continuous form of monitoring.

are under scrutiny

Replaces "being observed" with "under scrutiny", highlighting a more critical and detailed examination.

are actively being observed

Emphasizes the active nature of the observation process.

are subject to observation

Formal rephrasing, emphasizing the act of observation as something that is imposed.

are in the process of being observed

Adds emphasis on the ongoing nature of the observation.

are having observation performed on them

Restructures the sentence to highlight the recipient of the observation.

FAQs

How can I use "are being observed" in a sentence?

The phrase "are being observed" indicates that someone or something is currently the subject of observation. For instance, "The stars "are being observed" by astronomers using powerful telescopes."

What's a simpler way to say "are being observed"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "are being watched" or "are monitored" depending on the context. These options often provide a more direct and less formal tone.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with a phrase like "are being observed"?

While "are being observed" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "Scientists are observing...") can often make your writing more concise and impactful. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the observer or the subject of observation.

What's the difference between ""are being observed"" and "are observed"?

"Are being observed" indicates an ongoing or current observation, while "are observed" implies a general or habitual observation. For example, "The effects of climate change "are being observed" now" (ongoing), versus "Certain migratory patterns are observed every year" (habitual).