careful observation

USAGE SUMMARY

"careful observation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a process of noticing or examining something with attention to details and accuracy. For example: "You will need to use careful observation to detect the subtle differences between these two species of butterfly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

DO take your cue from the patient Humor in home health care begins with listening and careful observation.

Huffington Post

Careful observation and hormone tests would take care of knowing the when, but at some point, natural instincts would have to take over.

Vice

More careful observation revealed otherwise.

The New Yorker

They diagnose each other, based on careful observation.

The New York Times - Health

They are all based on careful observation of their properties.

The Guardian

Baking with these flours requires flexibility, careful observation and a spirit of scientific inquiry.

The New York Times

I made a careful observation of the vehicle and called the police.

The New Yorker

The diagnosis is made the old-fashioned way: by careful observation.

The New Yorker

It takes careful observation and probing, he said, to solve the mystery.

The New York Times - Science

Careful observation for a time can be just as effective, safer and less costly.

The New York Times

A player's rate of progress is dictated as much by careful observation as by fighting skills.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing scientific reports or analyses, use "careful observation" to emphasize the importance of detailed and accurate data collection. This highlights the rigor of your methodology.

Common error

Avoid using "careful observation" when the context already implies diligence. For instance, instead of saying "The scientist made a careful observation of the data", simply state "The scientist observed the data" if the situation suggests they were already being meticulous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "careful observation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies the act of observing something with diligence and attention to detail. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "careful observation" is a versatile and frequently used phrase, particularly within scientific and news contexts. It is considered grammatically correct. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase denotes a process of noticing and examining details with accuracy. While alternatives like "meticulous scrutiny" or "close inspection" exist, "careful observation" maintains a neutral yet formal tone, emphasizing attentiveness and precision. Remember to reserve it for situations where diligence is key, and avoid redundancy by omitting "careful" when the context already implies thoroughness. Its widespread usage across authoritative sources underscores its importance in effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous scrutiny

Replaces "careful observation" with a more formal and intense focus on detail.

close inspection

Indicates a detailed and thorough examination, similar to "careful observation".

diligent examination

Emphasizes the effort and thoroughness involved in the observation.

thorough investigation

Suggests a more systematic and in-depth form of observation.

detailed analysis

Focuses on breaking down the observed subject into smaller parts for better understanding.

attentive monitoring

Highlights the continuous and watchful aspect of observation.

vigilant surveillance

Implies a watchful observation for potential threats or changes.

scrupulous review

Indicates a very careful and thorough examination, often in a formal context.

critical assessment

Emphasizes the evaluative aspect of observation.

prudent assessment

Highlights an assessment made with foresight and caution.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "careful observation" in a sentence?

Use "careful observation" to underscore the importance of detail and accuracy in the process of noticing or examining something. For example: "Careful observation of the patient's symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis."

What phrases are similar to "careful observation"?

You can use phrases like "close inspection", "meticulous scrutiny", or "detailed analysis" as alternatives to "careful observation", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "careful observation" and "casual observation"?

"Careful observation" implies a deliberate and attentive examination, while "casual observation" suggests a more relaxed and less focused noticing of something. Therefore, "careful observation" is more suitable in formal or scientific contexts.

When is it redundant to use the phrase "careful observation"?

It may be redundant if the context already suggests a high level of attention to detail. In such cases, simply using "observation" may be sufficient. For instance, in a scientific study, the methodology section often assumes "careful observation" without explicitly stating it.