notice something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notice something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express that you become aware of or observe something. For example, "I noticed something unusual about the painting." Alternative expressions include "observe something," "perceive something," and "detect something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Notice something?

The Washington Post

I began to notice something.

University of California, Berkeley

Whenever you notice something, pause.

The Guardian - Books

And I notice something else.

The Guardian

You notice something interesting in Lascaux II.

Independent

Now while it's here let's notice something.

Yale University

Does anyone notice something has happened?

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I immediately noticed something.

The New Yorker

She noticed something else.

The New York Times

Soon, Smart noticed something else.

The New York Times - Sports

Musselman noticed something else, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In instructional content like guides or tutorials, use the phrase to preemptively point out critical details the user might overlook.

Common error

Avoid using "notice something" when you actually mean you performed a deliberate search or investigation. For rigorous analysis, preferring terms like "scrutinize" or "examine" provides more clarity on the level of effort involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notice something" acts as a transitive verb phrase composed of the verb 'notice' and the indefinite pronoun 'something'. According to Ludwig, it serves to introduce a direct object that is being perceived or identified. It is frequently used as a rhetorical device to pivot the reader's focus or as a plain statement of fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "notice something" is a robust and universally accepted phrase in English. Ludwig AI demonstrates that its usage spans from high-level academic discourse to casual everyday advice. Whether you are a scientist reporting a finding or a journalist pointing out a trend, this phrase effectively signals that an observation is being made. Its grammatical simplicity is matched by its strategic utility in directing attention, making it an essential tool for clear and engaging writing. While neutral, it can be easily swapped for more descriptive terms like "observe something" or "detect something" when a specific tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observe something

carries a more formal and systematic tone often used in scientific or analytical contexts

spot something

suggests a quick or casual discovery of something that might be hidden or small

detect something

implies finding something subtle or hidden through careful attention or technical means

perceive something

focuses on the sensory or mental awareness of a stimulus

discern something

suggests a high level of effort or difficulty in seeing or understanding a detail

identify something

emphasizes the act of recognizing and naming a specific element

note something

suggests recording or paying brief attention to a detail for future reference

catch something

informal way to describe noticing a fleeting detail or a mistake

witness something

specifically used for observing an event or occurrence firsthand

recognize something

implies the identification of something familiar based on prior knowledge

FAQs

How do I use "notice something" in a sentence?

You can use it as a standalone observation or followed by a descriptor. For example, "Did you "notice something" strange about the way he spoke?" or "I began to "notice something" new in her artwork."

What can I say instead of "notice something"?

Depending on the context, you can use more specific alternatives like "spot something", "observe something" or "detect something".

Is "notice something" formal enough for academic writing?

While correct, it is often seen as a neutral term. In highly technical papers, you might prefer "perceive something" or "discern something" to imply a more analytical process.

What is the difference between "notice something" and "see something"?

While "see something" refers generally to visual perception, "notice something" implies a cognitive recognition or paying attention to a specific detail within a larger scene.