is being observed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is being observed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an action is currently happening or ongoing, particularly in scientific or observational settings. Example: "The behavior of the subjects is being observed to gather data for the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Aside from this bias, which can compromise objectivity in any undertaking, science itself has shown through quantum mechanics that the observer invariably influences that which is being observed.

Huffington Post

It seems her presence created the opposite of the "observer effect" known in art and science, which holds that observation changes the nature of what is being observed.

Huffington Post

Dickey observes while he is being observed.

The New York Times

Shiva is being observed by his daughter, Jodi.

The New York Times

Shiva is being observed in the family home through Monday morning.

The New York Times

"It's been extremely tense, but every single ballot is being observed carefully," Mr. Krishnaiyer said.

The New York Times

The 100th anniversary of the 8,000-seat 8,000-seatnspired by ancientheater amphinspireds, is bying observed this yeancient

The New York Times - Arts

"A man is standing up there, full of anxiety, with the sense he is being observed and is not safe".

The Guardian - Books

She is being observed by a thin, hatless man in canvas army shoes and a creased blue suit.

The Guardian - Books

The 80th birthday of the Russian ballerina Maya Plisetskaya, right, is being observed all across Moscow this week.

The New York Times

It's possible, however, that this "boundary pushing" is being observed by Patel and I from a very western perspective.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is being observed" when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of the observation, particularly in scientific, formal, or objective contexts. For example, "The patient's vital signs are being observed continuously".

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice. While "is being observed" is grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound indirect. Consider active alternatives where appropriate. For example, instead of "The phenomenon is being observed by scientists", try "Scientists are observing the phenomenon".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being observed" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being watched or monitored. Ludwig shows that the construction is frequently employed in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is being observed" is a versatile construction used to denote an ongoing action of watching or monitoring something, as validated by Ludwig. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across a range of contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While the phrase is appropriate for formal and objective writing, it is important to be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Consider active alternatives when they provide clarity and conciseness. Alternatives like ""is being monitored"" or ""is under surveillance"" can also be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is under surveillance

This alternative emphasizes a more focused and often secretive form of observation.

is being monitored

This suggests a continuous and systematic tracking of something or someone.

is under scrutiny

This implies a detailed and critical examination.

is being watched

This is a more general term for observation, without necessarily implying any specific purpose.

is being tracked

This indicates that the movement or progress of something is being followed.

is being detected

This refers to the act of noticing or discovering something, often through technical means.

is being inspected

This suggests a formal examination or review.

is being reviewed

This implies a more evaluative form of observation.

is being assessed

This suggests that something is being evaluated or judged.

is being examined

This implies a careful and detailed inspection.

FAQs

How can I use "is being observed" in a sentence?

The phrase "is being observed" is used to indicate that something is currently in the process of being watched or monitored. For example, "The experiment "is being observed" by the research team".

What phrases can I use instead of "is being observed"?

Alternatives include "is being monitored", "is under surveillance", or "is being watched". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "is being observed"?

While "is being observed" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and concise. Instead of "The data is being observed by the analysts", consider "The analysts are observing the data".

What is the difference between "is observed" and "is being observed"?

"Is observed" generally refers to a habitual or general observation, while ""is being observed"" indicates an action that is currently in progress. For instance, "This phenomenon is observed every year" versus "This phenomenon "is being observed" right now".