carefully observe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carefully observe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to pay close attention to something or to watch something with great care. Example: "In order to understand the behavior of the species, it is essential to carefully observe their interactions in the wild."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Typically, longtimers carefully observe laws governing sublets.

The New York Times

Carefully observe and note what happens in detail.

Stanford University

Chinese experts urged their compatriots to carefully observe the invasion and learn from American farmers.

The New York Times

By tradition, Now Ruz celebrants gather around a bowl containing a single goldfish and carefully observe its movements.

The New York Times

"We have to carefully observe whether Pakistan implements its commitments or not," he said in a statement.

The New York Times

2) Walk around the pool and carefully observe everyone who is sitting on these chairs, using your psychological skills to guess when they might leave.

The Guardian - Travel

Dante, the oldest of the family's nine children, as a baby "would carefully observe any little thing that got into his hands.

The New Yorker

Pay attention to your surroundings, and carefully observe the light falling on your scene or subject – natural light is a photographer's best friend.

Independent

A US state department spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland, said on Monday that Washington would carefully observe the Facebook page and joked it would keep an eye on how many "likes" Khamenei received.

The Guardian

In her latest book, Shari Tishman, Ed.D.'91, senior research associate at Project Zero, explores slow looking — taking time to carefully observe more than meets the eye at first glance — as a mode of learning.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The animals are carefully observed.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to perform a task that requires attention to detail, use "carefully observe" to emphasize the importance of thoroughness and accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "carefully observe" in casual conversations where simpler terms like "watch" or "notice" would suffice. The phrase is more appropriate for situations demanding heightened awareness or scrutiny.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carefully observe" functions as a directive, often used to instruct or advise someone to pay close attention to something. Ludwig examples confirm that it is commonly used in contexts where accuracy and thoroughness are important.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "carefully observe" is a common and grammatically sound directive used to emphasize the importance of attentiveness and detail. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various domains, including news, science, and academia. When writing, consider the level of scrutiny required by the context; while "carefully observe" is suitable for tasks demanding heightened awareness, simpler terms might be more appropriate for casual situations. Alternative phrases such as "pay close attention" or "watch attentively" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay close attention

Highlights the act of giving significant focus to something.

watch attentively

Highlights the focused attention given to the act of watching.

keep a watchful eye

Suggests maintaining vigilance and careful observation.

observe with precision

Focuses on the accuracy and detail in the act of observing.

note with care

Focuses on carefully recording or taking notice of something.

examine thoroughly

Focuses on a comprehensive and exhaustive examination.

scrutinize closely

Emphasizes a detailed and critical examination.

inspect meticulously

Emphasizes the detailed and careful nature of an inspection.

study in detail

Highlights the comprehensive and thorough investigation of a subject.

monitor diligently

Implies a consistent and careful oversight.

FAQs

How can I use "carefully observe" in a sentence?

You can use "carefully observe" to instruct someone to pay close attention to something, as in "Carefully observe the patient's reaction to the medication" or "Carefully observe the details of the contract before signing".

What are some alternatives to "carefully observe"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pay close attention", "watch attentively", or "scrutinize closely" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "carefully observe" instead of "watch"?

"Carefully observe" is more appropriate when the situation demands heightened attention and scrutiny, whereas "watch" is suitable for more casual or general observations. For instance, you would "carefully observe" scientific data but simply "watch" a movie.

Is "closely observe" interchangeable with "carefully observe"?

Yes, "closely observe" is often interchangeable with "carefully observe". Both phrases emphasize attentiveness, but "carefully observe" may slightly emphasize the importance of accuracy and thoroughness.