is observing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is observing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone currently watching or monitoring something in real-time. Example: "The scientist is observing the behavior of the animals in their natural habitat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is observing his religion".

Independent

Scorsese is observing, not preaching.

Independent

Who is observing whom?

The Guardian - Books

It is observing a day of mourning.

Independent

The museum is observing its sesquicentennial year.

The New Yorker

The clinic is observing its 10th anniversary.

The New York Times

"You don't know who is observing you".

The New York Times - Books

Emma is "out of hearing", but Mr Knightley is observing.

The Guardian - Books

I think the Taliban is observing #ISIS closely + planning.

The Guardian

Part of this is observing your surroundings so you notice anything out of the ordinary.

The Guardian

The narrative often signals Nick's uncertain sense of what he is observing.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is observing" to describe ongoing actions of watching, monitoring, or noticing something, whether it's a phenomenon, a trend, or a rule being followed.

Common error

Avoid using "is observing" to describe a state of being or a static characteristic. Instead, use verbs like "shows", "indicates", or "demonstrates" to describe something that is always true or a consistent attribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is observing" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of watching, noticing, or adhering to something. As Ludwig AI points out, this can encompass various activities, from scientific observation to following customs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is observing" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that describes an ongoing action of watching, noticing, or adhering. As shown by Ludwig, it's frequently found in news and scientific contexts, indicating its widespread use across different domains. While the phrase is considered neutral in tone, you should be mindful of the specific context to ensure appropriate usage. It is important to avoid using this phrase in static contexts, and remember to consider related phrases like "is watching" or "is monitoring" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is watching

Replaces "observing" with a more general term for seeing.

is monitoring

Suggests a more active and systematic form of observation.

is noticing

Focuses on the act of becoming aware of something.

is detecting

Implies discovering something not immediately obvious.

is adhering to

Shifts the meaning to following a rule or custom.

is complying with

Similar to 'adhering to' but emphasizes obedience.

is celebrating

Indicates recognition of a special occasion or event.

is commemorating

Similar to 'celebrating', but focused on remembrance.

is remarking on

Indicates making a comment or observation about something.

is witnessing

Suggests being present when something happens and observing it.

FAQs

How can I use "is observing" in a sentence?

You can use "is observing" to describe the action of watching or monitoring something in the present moment. For example, "The scientist "is observing" the reaction" or "The company "is observing" the market trends".

What can I say instead of "is observing"?

You can use alternatives like "is watching", "is monitoring", or "is noticing" depending on the specific context.

When should I use "is observing" versus "observes"?

"Is observing" is used for actions happening in the present continuous tense, while "observes" is used for simple present tense, describing habitual actions or general truths. For example, "He "is observing" the stars tonight" (present action) vs. "He observes the stars every night" (habitual action).

Is "is observing" formal or informal?

"Is observing" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific context of the sentence will determine the overall formality.