by observing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by observing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean watching or examining something closely. For example, "By observing the changes in the market, we can create a successful business plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are we implicated just by observing?

The Guardian

Start by observing your breath.

Harvard University

"The second-best is by observing.

The New York Times - Arts

Learning by Observing the Performance of Schools.

Stanford University

That's something you just learn by observing.

The New York Times

And I feed off their own talents by observing them".

The New York Times

Something beautiful is something that you enjoy by observing it".

The New Yorker

"This could help explain how people learn by observing others".

The New York Times - Health

I've learnt by observing best practice and also by doing.

The Guardian

Mr. Nouvel got started by observing his context.

The New York Times - Arts

Discriminating between social intentions by observing prehensile movements.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by observing" to clearly indicate that knowledge or understanding is gained through the act of watching or examining something. It directly links the action of observing to its result.

Common error

Avoid using "by observing" in overly passive constructions where the actor is unclear. For example, instead of "Mistakes were learned by observing", specify who is doing the observing: "Auditors learned about common mistakes by observing field operations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by observing" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a gerund, modifying a verb or clause. It specifies the method or means by which an action is performed or a result is achieved, indicating that observation is the tool or process used. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "by observing" is a grammatically sound and versatile tool for conveying how knowledge, skills, or insights are acquired. Ludwig confirms that it is widely used across various registers, from academic and scientific writing to news media and general discussions. When writing, it's best to use "by observing" to clearly link the act of watching or examining to its outcome, avoiding overly passive constructions for better clarity. While alternatives like "through observation" and "from watching" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through observation

Emphasizes the process of observation as the means of achieving a result, maintaining a formal tone.

by examining

Stresses a closer, more methodical inspection of the subject.

via scrutiny

Highlights a more detailed and critical examination, often implying a deeper level of analysis.

upon inspection

Suggests a formal review or check, placing emphasis on the moment of examination.

from watching

Offers a simpler, more informal alternative that focuses on the act of visually monitoring something.

through monitoring

Implies a continuous or regular observation, often used in technical or security contexts.

by noting

Focuses on the act of recording or acknowledging specific details during observation.

gleaning from observation

Highlights the extraction of useful information from a broader observation process.

assessing through surveillance

Suggests evaluation based on continuous monitoring, typically in security contexts.

by perceiving

Emphasizes the use of senses to become aware of something, broadening the scope beyond visual observation.

FAQs

How can I use "by observing" in a sentence?

You can use "by observing" to show how one learns or understands something through careful observation. For example, "He improved his technique "by observing" experienced chefs."

What are some alternatives to "by observing"?

Some alternatives include "through observation", "by examining", or "from watching", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "through observation" or "by observing"?

"Through observation" is generally considered more formal than "by observing", although both are acceptable in most contexts. The choice depends on the desired tone and style of your writing.

How does "by observing" differ from "by studying"?

"By observing" implies learning through visual or sensory perception, while "by studying" suggests a more formal or structured learning process, often involving reading and analysis.