noticed an irregularity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "noticed an irregularity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the observation of something that deviates from the norm or expected standard. Example: "During the audit, the accountant noticed an irregularity in the financial statements that required further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lisa Williams, a 50-year-old administrative assistant in Winston-Salem, N.C., noticed an irregularity after receiving a roughly $3,700 Springleaf loan: A lawn mower she posted as collateral was valued at $800.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At the 125th Street Starbucks, Simon quickly noticed a couple of irregularities, such as the hoop earrings belonging to one barista ("She shouldn't be allowed to wear those") and the lack of any ambient music or CDs for purchase.

The New Yorker

If you notice any irregularities while shooting, stop using your string immediately.

WikiHow

He noticed a temporal dark shadow.

Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery

He noticed a disconnect.

Science Magazine

… I have noticed a difference.

Global Health Action

The mother noticed a gaze.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

The subject has to detect an irregularity in the sequence.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

You should notice an improvement.

WikiHow

After Points of Light noticed financial irregularities in early June, it took less than a month for management to alert federal prosecutors, although group officials say they have no clear idea yet what the financial impact may be.

The New York Times

Nobody noticed the slight irregularity.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "noticed an irregularity" when you want to emphasize the act of observation. If the focus is more on the irregularity itself, consider using phrases like "a discrepancy was present".

Common error

Avoid using "noticed an irregularity" without specifying what the irregularity was or its impact. Provide details to give the reader a complete picture. Don't just say you noticed an irregularity; explain what it was and why it mattered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "noticed an irregularity" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of observing something that deviates from the norm. It is commonly used to report the detection of discrepancies, anomalies, or other unusual occurrences. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "noticed an irregularity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating the observation of something deviating from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It's commonly found in news, science, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, it's important to specify the nature of the irregularity to provide clarity. Alternatives include "observed a discrepancy", "detected an anomaly", and "identified an exception". Ensure the register aligns with the context, maintaining formality in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observed a discrepancy

Focuses on a difference or inconsistency that was seen.

detected an anomaly

Highlights the identification of something unusual or out of the ordinary.

identified an exception

Emphasizes recognizing a deviation from a standard or rule.

spotted an oddity

Suggests a quick or casual observation of something strange.

became aware of an issue

Highlights gaining consciousness about a problem.

uncovered an abnormality

Implies a deeper investigation that revealed the irregularity.

noted a deviation

Simply records the fact that something strayed from the norm.

witnessed an unusual occurrence

Focuses on seeing something happen that was out of the ordinary.

recognized an inconsistency

Highlights the acknowledgment of conflicting elements or facts.

found a glitch

Implies the discovery of a minor malfunction or error.

FAQs

What does "noticed an irregularity" mean?

The phrase "noticed an irregularity" means that someone observed something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. It implies the detection of a deviation, often suggesting a problem or something requiring further investigation.

What can I say instead of "noticed an irregularity"?

You can use alternatives like "observed a discrepancy", "detected an anomaly", or "identified an exception" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "noticed an irregularity" in formal writing?

Yes, "noticed an irregularity" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when reporting observations in business, scientific, or academic contexts. However, ensure the language surrounding the phrase maintains a formal tone.

How to use "noticed an irregularity" in a sentence?

You can use "noticed an irregularity" like this: "During the audit, the accountant "noticed an irregularity" in the financial statements that required further investigation." The phrase usually precedes a description of the specific deviation.