as i observed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as I observed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are sharing your personal observations or insights about a situation or event. Example: "As I observed the meeting unfold, it became clear that there were differing opinions among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You want neutral observations, such as, 'I observed X in the last meeting, and the impact was Y". It's also wise to strategize how your employee might respond to your comments.

Harvard Business Review

As I observed the mountains, my imagination took hold.

The New York Times - Travel

A lot depends on the individual, as I observed in another practical exercise.

The Guardian

As I observed last week, it's good to be near one's own crypt.

The New Yorker

But overall, as I observed last week, not much has changed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Better still, all the major players, as I observed and talked with them over three days, stayed deliciously in character.

The New York Times

Like many of these smaller associations, Isos, as far as I observed, has right-sized ambitions and capacity.

The Guardian

As I observed in my testimony before the Senate, the Fair Elections Now Act is not your granddaddy's campaign reform.

The Washington Post

I reflected on this question as I observed an Israeli Army jeep patrol the gap in Abu Dis.

The New York Times

In the article that follows, I describe each lesson as I observed it, and then give Ferguson his say.

Harvard Business Review

As I observed some time ago, people believe what they want to believe, and fix or ignore facts to fit their preferences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as I observed" to introduce a statement based on your direct experience, lending a personal and authoritative tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "as I observed" to prevent redundancy and maintain reader engagement. Vary your sentence structure for a more dynamic writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as I observed" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig, it's a valid way to introduce a statement or clause, indicating that what follows is based on the speaker's or writer's direct experience or observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as I observed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used introductory phrase that signals a personal observation or experience, a sentiment supported by Ludwig. It is commonly found in news, business, and academic contexts. When writing, it's best to use it to lend authority to your statements by anchoring them in your own experience, but avoid overuse to maintain an engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as i witnessed

Highlights the act of being present and observing an event as it happened.

based on my observations

Explicitly states the foundation of a conclusion in observable data.

from what i saw

Informal way of indicating something was learned through direct visual experience.

in my view

Simple and direct expression of personal opinion.

as far as i could see

Indicates a limitation to the scope of observation.

from my perspective

Emphasizes a personal viewpoint or assessment.

in my estimation

Highlights a judgment or opinion formed after consideration.

according to my perception

Focuses on individual understanding and interpretation.

my understanding is

Shifts the focus to the comprehension gained from the observation.

i have come to believe

Emphasizes a belief formed through a period of observation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as I observed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "based on my observations", "from my perspective", or "in my estimation".

What's the difference between "as I observed" and "as I witnessed"?

"As I observed" implies a general act of noticing or perceiving something, while "as I witnessed" suggests being present during an event and directly experiencing it.

Is it appropriate to use "as I observed" in academic writing?

Yes, "as I observed" is suitable for academic writing when presenting findings or insights based on your direct observations during research or fieldwork. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style of the paper.

Can I use "as I observed" to introduce an opinion?

While "as I observed" primarily introduces factual observations, it can indirectly support an opinion by providing the basis for it. To clearly state an opinion, you might follow it with a phrase like "therefore, I believe" or "in my opinion".