did not observe

USAGE SUMMARY

"did not observe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something has not been seen or noticed. For example, "The biologist did not observe any anomalies in the species' behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We did not observe any recovery activity in place".

The Guardian

The vet team did not observe any physical problems.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet the Volks did not observe the faith.

The Economist

We did not observe this.

Annals of Intensive Care

Hence, we did not observe any NDR.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The SOHO/EIT telescope did not observe the first event.

Advances in Space Research

In this work, we did not observe such limitation.

AMB Express

However, we did not observe this effect during our experiments.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Consistently, we did not observe increased apoptosis in these cells.

Biophysics Reports

We did not observe significant growth disturbance or osteonecrosis.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

(g) We did not observe any spontaneous diaphragmatic activity.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did not observe" in scientific writing, be specific about the conditions and methods used to ensure clarity and replicability. For example, specify the tools and techniques used during the observation period.

Common error

Avoid using "did not observe" when a more direct verb like "see", "notice", or "detect" would be more appropriate. "Observe" often implies a deliberate and careful act of watching, so choose the verb that best fits the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not observe" functions as a negative observation statement. It's used to explicitly state that something was not seen or noticed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

83%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did not observe" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to report the absence of something, particularly in scientific and factual contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in Science and News & Media sources, reflecting its use in objective reporting. While simpler alternatives like "did not see" exist, "did not observe" often carries a more formal and deliberate connotation. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity regarding the conditions of observation are essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not see

A more direct and literal way of saying something wasn't visually detected.

did not detect

Focuses on the lack of detection, often in a scientific or technical context.

missed seeing

Indicates an opportunity to see something was lost.

failed to notice

Emphasizes a failure to perceive something that was present.

overlooked

Suggests something was missed due to inattention or negligence.

remained unaware of

Highlights a lack of knowledge or consciousness about something.

paid no attention to

Emphasizes a deliberate lack of focus on something.

was not privy to

Suggests the person wasn't given access to information or an event.

disregarded

Highlights a conscious decision to ignore or dismiss something.

was blind to

Implies a figurative inability to see or understand something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "did not observe" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "failed to detect", "did not discern", or "did not perceive" to convey a more sophisticated tone.

Is it always necessary to use "did not observe", or are there simpler alternatives?

Simpler alternatives like "did not see" or "didn't notice" can often be used in place of "did not observe", especially in informal contexts. The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "did not observe" and "failed to observe"?

"Did not observe" simply states that something wasn't seen or noticed. "Failed to observe" implies a lack of success in an attempt to observe something, suggesting that observation was intended or expected but did not occur.

How do you use "did not observe" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure that the context clearly indicates what was not observed and under what conditions. For example, "We "did not observe" any significant changes in the patient's condition after the treatment."