highly observant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly observant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is very attentive and notices details that others might miss. Example: "As a detective, she is highly observant, often picking up on clues that lead to solving the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

They were highly observant Muslims who prayed five times a day.

Independent

Even in families that are not highly observant, numerous women grapple with the question of premarital sex.

The New York Times - Books

The young are highly observant, learning how to behave by watching the adults, and they may even rehearse their roles.

The New Yorker

Whereas attacks were initially mostly confined to highly observant rural areas, the murder of Xulhaz Mannan and his friend took place in the heart of the capital, Dhaka.

The Guardian

In the younger Bush's own Presidential bid, in 2000, he got a minority of the over-all vote but eighty-four per cent of highly observant, white evangelicals.

The New Yorker

Neighbors and friends of the three have said that at least from the outside, it appeared that their transformations from aimless Western youths to highly observant Muslims were bewilderingly thorough.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Inventors are often extremely observant.

Britannica

It looks like the work of a sophisticated director with no feel for the languages he's working in, and sometimes even like the work of a highly intelligent and observant space alien who still has not quite grasped how Earthlings actually relate to each other.

The Guardian - Film

As yeshiva enrollments have grown, so, too, has the religious influence of the right wing -- at the expense of Orthodoxy's once dominant modern wing, which holds that Jews can be fully observant and highly involved in wider American society.

The New York Times

Samir, the son of an American mother and a Sudanese father, is an observant Muslim and a veteran of the Army Special Forces, a highly trained warrior whose allegiances are, at first and for a gratifyingly long time afterward, decidedly ambiguous.

The New York Times

I also found it highly implausible that in Australia, where elite private schools are overwhelmingly single-sex institutions, an observant Muslim family would choose to send their daughter to a coed high school.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in fiction or a subject in a report, use "highly observant" to indicate an exceptional ability to notice details and understand their significance. This adds depth and credibility to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "highly observant" when describing routine observations. Reserve it for situations where the observation requires exceptional skill or leads to significant insights. Using simpler adjectives like "attentive" or "watchful" can be more appropriate in less critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly observant" typically functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a quality or characteristic of someone or something, indicating a superior ability to notice and interpret details. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highly observant" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe someone with exceptional attentiveness and perceptiveness. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun, highlighting the subject's ability to notice and interpret details. Its register is generally neutral to professional, with usage spanning various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using the phrase, reserve it for situations where the observation requires significant skill. Alternatives such as "extremely perceptive" or "very attentive" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely perceptive

Emphasizes the depth of understanding and insight, more about interpreting than just noticing.

very attentive

Focuses on paying close attention, potentially lacking the inherent skill implied by "observant".

keenly aware

Highlights a strong consciousness and understanding of surroundings or situations.

noticeably sharp-eyed

More descriptive, emphasizing visual acuity and quickness in noticing things.

remarkably insightful

Focuses on the ability to gain deep understanding, going beyond surface-level observations.

exceptionally vigilant

Implies watchfulness and alertness, often in the context of potential danger or threats.

outstandingly perceptive

Stresses the exceptional nature of someone's ability to understand and interpret information.

highly discerning

Highlights the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments, implying good taste or critical evaluation skills.

deeply conscious

Indicates a strong awareness and sensitivity to one's own feelings or the feelings of others.

carefully observant

Focuses on the deliberate and meticulous nature of someone's observations.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "highly observant" in a sentence?

Use "highly observant" to describe someone who excels at noticing subtle details and understanding their implications. For example: "The detective was "highly observant", quickly spotting the discrepancy in the suspect's alibi."

What are some alternatives to "highly observant"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "extremely perceptive", "very attentive", or "keenly aware" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to say "highly observant" or "very observant"?

"Highly observant" suggests a more exceptional or skilled level of observation compared to "very observant". Choose ""highly observant"" when you want to emphasize an outstanding ability to notice and interpret details.

In what situations is "highly observant" most appropriate?

The phrase ""highly observant"" is well-suited for describing characters in fiction, professionals like detectives or scientists, or anyone whose ability to notice details is crucial to their role or actions. It's fitting when someone's observations lead to significant discoveries or insights.