empirical observation

USAGE SUMMARY

'empirical observation' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a formal term that is used to refer to observations based on experimentation, measurements, or scientific investigations. For example, "Through my empirical observation, I was able to identify various key trends in the data set."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I see it as straightforward empirical observation.

The Guardian

Otherwise, graduates will fail to appreciate how scientific method depends on empirical observation.

The New York Times

Far from being dogmatic, Buddhism shares with science the basis of empirical observation.

The New York Times

"That's not a real fancy interpretation — it's just an empirical observation".

The New York Times

This isn't a criticism or an indictment; it's merely an empirical observation.

The New Yorker

That is, they are not chiefly reliant on empirical observation.

The New York Times

Trump fans' politics is not the politics of rationality, considered judgment or empirical observation.

The Washington Post

They are less likely to be verified by empirical observation than other types of explanations.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are more likely to be verified by empirical observation than other types of explanations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Data collected from the empirical observation of miracles offered proof of their reality; complex calculations uncovered Napoleon's hidden identity.

The New Yorker

But — this is my own empirical observation — although experiments can illuminate philosophical arguments, they don't settle them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "empirical observation", ensure you clearly state the context of the observation and the data it is based on. This adds credibility to your claims.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions from a small set of "empirical observations". Ensure your sample size is representative and your methodology is sound to prevent inaccurate generalizations.

Linguistic Context

Empirical observation functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the process or result of gaining knowledge through direct or indirect observation, measurement, or experimentation, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

29%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Empirical observation is a frequently used and grammatically correct term that refers to acquiring knowledge through direct experience or experimentation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for formal writing and commonly appears in academic, scientific, and news contexts. When using "empirical observation", ensure that you provide the context and data supporting your claim to enhance credibility. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing from a limited set of observations to prevent inaccurate conclusions. Alternatives like "observational study" or "data-driven analysis" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct observation

Highlights the act of directly witnessing or perceiving something.

observational study

Focuses on the study aspect, emphasizing systematic observation.

evidence-based research

Emphasizes the role of evidence in research.

data-driven analysis

Highlights the use of data as the basis for analysis.

experimental result

Specifies that the observation comes from an experiment.

factual finding

Emphasizes the factual nature of the observation.

field research

Highlights that research is conducted in a real environment.

real-world data

Focuses on the practical aspect of data.

practical knowledge

Emphasizes the utility of the acquired knowledge.

hands-on experience

Highlights the experiential aspect of gaining knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "empirical observation" in a sentence?

You can use "empirical observation" to describe conclusions drawn from experiments or real-world data. For example, "The study's conclusions were based on "empirical observation" of patient outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "empirical observation"?

Alternatives include "observational study", "data-driven analysis", or "evidence-based research" depending on the specific context.

Is "empirical observation" a formal term?

Yes, "empirical observation" is considered a formal term and is suitable for academic, scientific, and professional writing.

What's the difference between "empirical observation" and "theoretical analysis"?

"Empirical observation" involves gathering data through direct experience or experimentation, while "theoretical analysis" relies on abstract reasoning and models. They often complement each other in research.