can be observed

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be observed" is a valid and often used phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing an event or phenomenon, as in "The effects of human activity on the environment can be observed in many areas around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Memory can be observed.

The New York Times - Science

Domain structure can be observed directly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A similar phenomenon can be observed in the sports world.

The New York Times - Books

Yet the beginnings of change can be observed.

The Guardian - Books

Whether it is labour laws or climate science, the same dynamics can be observed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most gamma ray objects can be observed only from spacecraft, above Earth's radiation-absorbing atmosphere.

The New York Times - Science

All that can be observed is a succession of political experiments whose outcomes are highly contingent.

The Guardian

His slow descent to decrepitude and death can be observed by following him on Twitter, @garwboy.

The Guardian

What does Dr. Tierney believe can be observed when disasters disrupt social order?

The New York Times

While individual particles are too small to see, they can be observed collectively as urban haze.

The New York Times - Health

A similar broadness can be observed in the anti‑terror laws.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be observed" when you want to emphasize that something is objectively verifiable through observation, rather than subjective interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "can be observed" when describing feelings, opinions, or interpretations. Instead, use phrases like "it seems", "it appears", or "it suggests" to convey subjectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be observed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something is capable of being noticed or detected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a commonly used phrase, particularly effective in describing verifiable phenomena. This structure allows the writer to highlight the object of observation rather than the observer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be observed" is a versatile phrase used to denote that something is capable of being noticed or detected. As Ludwig AI has indicated, the phrase is indeed valid and appears across various contexts, most notably in science and news. Grammatically correct, it functions as a passive construction, highlighting the object being observed rather than the observer. While suitable for formal and objective writing, it should be used judiciously in subjective contexts. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in instances where personal feelings or opinions are conveyed. Alternatives such as "can be seen" or "is apparent" may sometimes be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be detected

Focuses on the act of discovering something, implying a more active process of finding it.

can be noticed

Emphasizes the ease with which something becomes apparent.

can be seen

A more direct way of saying something is visible.

is discernible

More formal, suggesting something can be distinguished or recognized, often with effort.

is apparent

Indicates something is clearly visible or understood.

is evident

Similar to apparent but suggests a stronger degree of obviousness and proof.

can be identified

Highlights the ability to recognize or classify something specifically.

can be perceived

Focuses on sensory awareness of something, not just visual.

is detectable

Highlights the ability to discover something, possibly through technical means.

is observable

A more formal and scientific synonym.

FAQs

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

Use "can be observed" to describe something that is noticeable or detectable through observation, such as "The effects of climate change "can be observed" in rising sea levels".

What are some alternatives to "can be observed"?

You can use alternatives like "can be seen", "is apparent", or "is evident" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "can be observed" or "can observe"?

"Can be observed" is passive, indicating something is being noticed. "Can observe" is active, meaning someone is capable of noticing something. Choose the one that fits the meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "can be observed" and "can be monitored"?

"Can be observed" implies a static observation, while "can be monitored" suggests ongoing observation and tracking of changes over time.