noticed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "noticed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was seen or became aware of, either through direct observation or inference. Example: I noticed her standing in the corner of the room, looking anxious.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I noticed the difference, and so did my husband.

The Guardian

I wasn't the only one who noticed the airline's descent.

The Economist

It is not a long contract, just six weeks, and I imagined I, too, might be able to serve out my time in office before anyone noticed my shortcomings, and my failure to harbour any cohesive hermetic vision.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think our supporters have always been behind us, we've had ups and downs in the last few years, but since the return leg against Ukraine we've felt an enthusiasm behind the team and noticed a rekindled love in practice matches [in the lead up to the World Cup]," Lloris said.

The Guardian - Sport

The people who run our supermarkets, obsessed as they are with "price matching" and "meal deals", seem not to have noticed this.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A week or so ago, when there was a weeny temperate gap in the Arctic spring, I noticed that the pond was heaving with froggies, with one clump of them clinging to a white thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A crew from the Chiswick RNLI station were passing along the river when they noticed the Oxford boat was in difficulties.

The Guardian - Sport

Much less noticed was the visit of the Yemen president to Washington.

The Guardian - Opinion

David Cameron's plan for the leaders' debate was to get it out of the way before anyone had noticed the election campaign had begun, and then ensure that it passed off without sparking interest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Forty-one yeago ano an unknown teenage all-rounder was hit by an Andy Roberts bouncer, spat a tooth or two out on to the pitch and got on with winning the match for Somerset – yes, IT Botham always knew how to get noticed.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Social care and austerity: the impact so far, and what the future holds Kath Wallace, divisional manager for commissioning for adult services and health, Liverpool city council: "The most immediate impact that we have noticed is the reduction in preventive or non-statutory services.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "noticed" to describe a quick observation or becoming aware of something without deep analysis. For deeper analysis, consider "observed" or "analyzed".

Common error

Avoid using "noticed" excessively in academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "observed", "identified", or "determined" to convey a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "noticed" is that of a past tense verb, indicating the act of becoming aware of something. Ludwig's examples show it used in diverse contexts, from observing subtle changes to recognizing specific details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "noticed" functions as a past tense verb, indicating the act of becoming aware of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as lifestyle and sport contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more precise verbs in formal writing. Related phrases include "observed", "detected", and "spotted", which offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid overusing "noticed" in formal settings for a more sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observed

Replaces "noticed" with a more formal term for seeing or sensing something.

detected

Implies a subtle or difficult-to-perceive discovery.

spotted

Suggests a quick or casual observation.

realized

Focuses on the moment of understanding or becoming aware.

became aware of

A more verbose but equally valid substitute emphasizing the process of gaining awareness.

perceived

Indicates a subjective impression or understanding.

distinguished

Implies recognizing something as distinct or different.

identified

Focuses on recognizing or naming something specifically.

took note of

Emphasizes the act of paying attention and remembering.

paid attention to

Highlights the deliberate act of focusing on something.

FAQs

How can I use "noticed" in a sentence?

You can use "noticed" to indicate that you became aware of something through sight or other senses. For example, "I noticed the change in her expression" or "He noticed the unusual noise coming from the engine."

What's the difference between "observed" and "noticed"?

"Observed" implies a more careful and deliberate act of watching, while "noticed" suggests a more casual or accidental awareness. Use "observed" when describing a systematic examination, and "noticed" when describing a spontaneous awareness.

What can I say instead of "noticed"?

You can use alternatives like "observed", "detected", "spotted", or "realized" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I have noticed" or "I noticed"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "I noticed" is simpler and often preferred for past events. "I have noticed" implies a more recent or ongoing observation.