but observed that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but observed that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that someone has noticed or remarked on something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The researcher conducted the experiment thoroughly but observed that the results were not as expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Mr. Dressel said the League had taken no position on the Essex County dispute, but observed that town and county relationships were often a matter of culture.

The New York Times

Mr. Coffiel's lawyer, James Kousouros, said he was still reviewing the case, but observed that his client and the other defendants, all accused dealers, were minor figures.

The New York Times

Herrick had no answer for that, but observed that harbor seals have been known to make off with ducks that hunters have downed.

The New York Times - Sports

We began with SYBR Green I detection technology but observed that this system does not allow an accurate measurement of the tumor load when working with genomic DNA.

The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics

As she worked on that, she and her colleagues published another paper, "Debt Overhang and Capital Regulation". The paper explored why high leverage is inefficient for corporations, but observed that banks are unusual for two reasons.

Stanford University

He said he would have preferred to be certain that the ordeal was over but observed that in his years in public life, he had been investigated so much that he had almost grown accustomed to it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

We find no evidence that luminance affects area judgments, but observe that aspect ratio does have an effect.

Stanford University

But observe that one woman stands taller than the others in her handsome, floor-brushing gown.

The New York Times

He agrees that Mr. Obama's persistent diplomacy has increased the likelihood of tough action but observes that engagement itself cannot change basic calculations of national interest.

The New York Times

But one can't help but observe that within the investment community BGI has not been vocal in calling for boardroom restraint on pay.

The Guardian - Business

She knows nothing of his identity but observes that Charlie's attitude and behavior might improve if he didn't have an absentee father.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but observed that" to introduce a contrasting point or realization following a previous statement or situation. It provides a smooth transition while highlighting a different perspective.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions when using "but observed that". Instead of "it was observed that", opt for a more direct and active voice construction for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but observed that" functions as a transitional conjunction, connecting a previous statement with a contrasting observation or realization. It's used to introduce a different perspective, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but observed that" serves as a useful transitional phrase to introduce contrasting observations or realizations. As verified by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and versatile across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. While it maintains a relatively formal tone, understanding its nuanced application helps writers effectively convey contrasting information or perspectives. Consider using alternatives such as "but noted that" or "but remarked that" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but noted that

Replaces "observed" with "noted", indicating a less formal observation.

but remarked that

Substitutes "observed" with "remarked", emphasizing a spoken comment.

but pointed out that

Uses "pointed out" instead of "observed", highlighting a specific detail.

but mentioned that

Replaces "observed" with "mentioned", suggesting a casual reference.

but found that

Changes "observed" to "found", focusing on a discovery.

but discovered that

Uses "discovered" instead of "observed", emphasizing an unexpected finding.

however, it was observed that

Adds "however, it was" for a more formal tone.

but it was noticed that

Changes "observed" to "noticed", indicating a casual observation.

yet it was observed that

Replaces "but" with "yet" for a slightly different emphasis.

but came to the conclusion that

Emphasizes the reasoning process leading to the observation.

FAQs

How can I use "but observed that" in a sentence?

Use "but observed that" to introduce a contrasting observation or finding. For instance, "The experiment yielded positive results, but observed that some participants showed adverse reactions."

What can I say instead of "but observed that"?

You can use alternatives like "but noted that", "but remarked that", or "but pointed out that" to express a similar idea.

Is it more formal to say "but observed that" or "but noted that"?

"But observed that" tends to be slightly more formal than "but noted that". Both are acceptable, but "observed" carries a more academic or professional tone.

How does "but observed that" differ from "but found that"?

"But observed that" implies a general observation, while "but found that" suggests a specific discovery or finding. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting a general noticing or a concrete finding.