exacting observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exacting observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a careful and precise examination or scrutiny of something. Example: "The scientist's exacting observation of the experiment led to groundbreaking discoveries in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Arts

Film

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Exacting observation goes with grotesque theatre.

The Guardian - Arts

For all her exacting observation of others, she's unable to muster much self-scrutiny.

The New Yorker

Stirring as both a labour of love and, perhaps, a whispered mea culpa, Roma is a film of exacting observation and equally precise blind spots – leaving space, one hopes, for the stories of Cleo and women like her to be told from other vantage points.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Second, we utilise all observations for each woman, including exact observation time and the observed state.

British Journal of Cancer

In the philosophical landscapes of Poussin, exact observation of nature was combined with architecture (both complete and fragmented) and with the everyday traffic of human life.

The New York Times - Arts

Although China and Mesopotamia provide examples of exact observation and precise description of nature, what is missing is explanation in the scientific mode.

Britannica

It is a brilliantly acute sketch, typically poised between exact observation and the desire to tell a story: Combination of shrewd business woman, genuine artist, lonely middle-aged woman anxious to please, and mad-woman.

The Guardian - Books

Their vivid imagery, exact observation, and deep feeling of intimacy with nature in the Arabian Desert contribute to the Muʿallaqāt's standing as a masterpiece of world literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"His most eminent characteristic, however, has been an unswerving loyalty to truth as obtained by exact observation and unprejudicial judgement, regardless of ridicule or misrepresentation".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

This is the exact observation that can be made in Figure 7b, where NWLs are obtained on high Au particle densities and at comparatively higher growth temperatures (900°C), as a result of the Zn clusters coalescing.

Nanoscale Research Letters

These variables model the uncertainty about exact observation times.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exacting observation" when you want to emphasize the precision and meticulous nature of someone's scrutiny. It's particularly effective in scientific, artistic, or critical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "exacting observation" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler terms like "careful watching" or "close look" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exacting observation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "exacting" modifies the noun "observation". As Ludwig AI points out, it describes a specific type of observation, one that is careful, precise, and thorough.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exacting observation" is a noun phrase describing a precise and thorough observation. Ludwig AI highlights that while grammatically correct, it is not a common expression and is best suited for formal, scientific, or artistic contexts. Alternatives include "meticulous scrutiny" and "precise examination". Remember to avoid using it in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal. With a source quality score of 92 and an expert rating of 4.1, its use is generally well-regarded in relevant contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous scrutiny

Replaces "observation" with "scrutiny" and "exacting" with "meticulous", emphasizing thoroughness and precision.

precise examination

Substitutes "observation" with "examination" and "exacting" with "precise", highlighting accuracy and detail.

careful inspection

Uses "inspection" instead of "observation" and "careful" for "exacting", focusing on attentiveness and thoroughness.

rigorous assessment

Employs "assessment" instead of "observation" and "rigorous" for "exacting", emphasizing a thorough and demanding evaluation.

thorough evaluation

Replaces "observation" with "evaluation" and "exacting" with "thorough", stressing completeness and attention to detail.

detailed analysis

Uses "analysis" for "observation" and "detailed" for "exacting", highlighting an in-depth and comprehensive study.

close study

Substitutes "observation" with "study" and "exacting" with "close", focusing on attentiveness and proximity to the subject.

critical review

Employs "review" instead of "observation" and "critical" for "exacting", emphasizing careful and judgmental assessment.

diligent investigation

Replaces "observation" with "investigation" and "exacting" with "diligent", highlighting thoroughness and perseverance.

astute perception

Uses "perception" for "observation" and "astute" for "exacting", focusing on keen awareness and insightful understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "exacting observation" to describe a careful and precise examination of something. For example: "The scientist's "exacting observation" of the data led to a new discovery."

What are some alternatives to "exacting observation"?

Alternatives include "meticulous scrutiny", "precise examination", or "careful inspection", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "exacting observation"?

It is most appropriate in formal writing or when describing scientific, artistic, or critical analysis where precision and detail are important. Avoid it in casual conversation or informal contexts.

What is the difference between "exacting observation" and "casual observation"?

"Exacting observation" implies a thorough and precise examination, while "casual observation" suggests a more relaxed and less focused viewing. The former is deliberate and detailed, the latter is often incidental.