have been observed

USAGE SUMMARY

'have been observed' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been observed over a period of time. For example: "Recent studies have been observed that demonstrate the benefits of exercise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Afterglows have been observed in continuous-clocking mode observations.

Harvard University

No macroscopic sporophytes have been observed (Wernberg & Bennett, personal observation).

Nature

Two isomers have been observed.

Journal of Solid State Chemistry

Several flares have been observed.

Advances in Space Research

Other effects have been observed in experiments on animal embryos.

The New Yorker

Six isotopes of copernicium have been observed so far.

The Guardian

Two strength development profiles have been observed.

Cement and Concrete Research

Linear static characteristic graphs have been observed.

Measurement

Several common single-gene alterations have been observed in glioblastoma.

Columbia University

Powerful auroras have been observed near the poles of Jupiter.

Harvard University

Other changes have been observed within the muscle cells.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject performing the observing is clear, either explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context.

Common error

Avoid using "have been observed" without clearly indicating who or what did the observing, as this can create ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been observed" functions as a passive voice construction. It indicates that something has been noticed or detected by an unspecified observer. This construction is commonly used to present findings or facts objectively, without emphasizing who made the observation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

20%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been observed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction, primarily found in formal and scientific writing. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, it serves to present information objectively, highlighting the observation rather than the observer. While alternatives like "have been detected" or "have been noted" exist, "have been observed" maintains a specific tone of detached, evidence-based reporting. Remember to ensure clarity by indicating what or who has made the observation within your text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been seen

A more straightforward and common way to express observation.

have been detected

Maintains passive voice but uses "detected" instead of "observed".

have been noted

Indicates a record or mention of something.

were noticed

Uses a more direct and active voice construction.

were found

A simple and direct way to express discovery.

were detected

Implies a more technical or scientific finding.

were identified

Suggests a process of recognition and classification.

were revealed

Implies an unveiling or discovery.

have come to light

Suggests something previously hidden has become apparent.

researchers have found

Shifts to an active voice, specifying the actors who made the observation.

FAQs

How can I use "have been observed" in a sentence?

The phrase "have been observed" is used to describe something that has been noticed or detected. For example, "Changes in weather patterns "have been observed" over the past decade."

What is a good alternative to "have been observed"?

Alternatives include "have been detected", "have been noted", or "have been seen" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "have been observed"?

While "have been observed" is passive, it's suitable for formal writing where the observer is less important than the observation itself. You can use an active construction like "Researchers observed" when you want to emphasize who made the observation.

What does "have been observed" imply about the observation?

It suggests that the observation is based on evidence or data, rather than speculation. It's commonly used in scientific, academic, and other formal contexts to present findings.