be observed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be observed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something should be seen, noticed, or monitored. Example: "The changes in the environment can be observed over time through careful study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shiva will be observed.

The New York Times

Memory can be observed.

The New York Times - Science

can be observed.

Stanford University

These have to be observed.

The Guardian

Labor laws should be observed.

The New York Times

What requirements must be observed?

Harvard Business Review

Deadlines dates must be observed.

Columbia University

Shiva will be observed at her home.

The New York Times

Shiva will be observed in Florida.

The New York Times

Still, certain standards must be observed.

The New York Times

Kosher dietary laws will be observed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be observed" when you want to emphasize the passive reception of information through careful attention, especially in formal or scientific contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be observed" excessively, as it can make your writing sound overly formal and impersonal. Consider using active voice constructions when appropriate for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be observed" functions as a passive verb construction. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates that something is undergoing the action of being watched or noticed. The examples show it used in scientific reports, news articles, and general observations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be observed" is a grammatically sound passive construction that indicates something is capable of being noticed or watched. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various formal contexts, including news, academia, and science. While "be observed" is widely used, it's important to avoid overusing passive voice and consider active alternatives for a more direct writing style. Related phrases include ""be noted"", ""be noticed"", and ""be monitored"", each offering subtle differences in meaning. Finally, be mindful of the formal tone and choose alternatives that suit your intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be noted

This alternative focuses on the act of recording or taking notice of something, differing from merely watching.

be noticed

This alternative emphasizes the act of becoming apparent or attracting attention, rather than the deliberate act of observing.

be monitored

This implies a continuous and systematic observation, often for a specific purpose, giving a more proactive sense than "be observed".

be followed

This refers to adhering to rules or guidelines, diverging from the observational aspect of "be observed".

be detected

This suggests uncovering something previously hidden, focusing on discovery rather than simple observation.

be respected

This focuses on showing honor or deference to something, such as a tradition, rather than visual observation.

be maintained

This implies keeping something in a certain condition or state, subtly different from the act of observing.

be honored

This relates to showing respect or reverence, differing from the act of observation.

be celebrated

This focuses on marking an occasion with festivities, not on observation.

be remarked upon

This implies that something has been commented on or noted, adding a layer of discourse that 'be observed' lacks.

FAQs

How can I use "be observed" in a sentence?

The phrase "be observed" is used to indicate that something is capable of being noticed or seen. For example, "The effects of the medication can "be observed" after a week."

What are some alternatives to "be observed"?

Alternatives include "be noted", "be noticed", or "be monitored", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "be observed" over "be seen"?

"Be observed" implies a more deliberate and careful act of watching, often in a scientific or formal setting, while "be seen" is more general. For instance, "The experiment must "be observed" closely" suggests careful monitoring, whereas "The bird could "be seen" in the sky" simply indicates visibility.

Is "be observed" formal or informal?

The phrase "be observed" leans towards the formal side, commonly used in scientific, academic, or professional contexts. More informal alternatives include "be noticed" or simply "see".