observant of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observant of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is attentive or watchful regarding a particular matter or detail. Example: "She is very observant of the changes in her environment, always noticing the smallest details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How observant of you.

The Guardian

The community was very pious, & strictly observant of religious custom.

The New Yorker

"I am," Clarke says, "the least observant of men".

The Guardian - Books

He is also more reserved and observant of boundaries.

The New York Times - Style

He has always been a wonderfully subtle conductor, observant of details that others gloss over.

The New Yorker

"Early on, I was very observant of film's rules," Aronofsky told me.

The New Yorker

Thorne is also acutely observant of the petty rivalries and jealousies that sickness provokes.

The Guardian

The translation is at once penetrating and delicately observant of Pessoa's astute melancholy.

The Guardian - Books

He was observant of their ways, and appreciated stories of their intelligence.

The Guardian - Books

He does not write about city life, yet he is observant of it.

The New York Times

That, by traditional Jewish law, makes one Jewish regardless of whether someone is observant of the religion, or oblivious.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "observant of" to describe someone who pays close attention to details, rules, or customs. It's particularly useful when highlighting someone's adherence to a specific set of guidelines or their keen awareness of their surroundings.

Common error

Avoid using "observant of" when describing general awareness without a specific focus or object. For instance, instead of saying "He is observant of everything", specify what he observes, such as "He is observant of the details in the painting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observant of" functions as a prepositional phrase, where 'observant' acts as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun, and 'of' connects it to the object being observed. Ludwig provides several examples that demonstrate its usage in describing someone's attentiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

24%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "observant of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig, it describes someone who is attentive and watchful regarding particular details, rules or customs. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki, with a neutral to formal tone. When writing, ensure that "observant of" is followed by a specific object or focus to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "attentive to" or "mindful of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attentive to

Focuses more on the act of paying attention.

mindful of

Emphasizes awareness and consideration.

aware of

Highlights the state of being conscious or informed.

heedful of

Stresses the act of giving careful attention.

cognizant of

Implies having knowledge or being aware of something.

regardful of

Indicates consideration or respect.

respectful of

Highlights the act of showing deference or esteem.

careful about

Emphasizes caution and attention to detail.

vigilant about

Implies being watchful and alert.

sensitive to

Focuses on being responsive to nuances or subtle changes.

FAQs

How can I use "observant of" in a sentence?

You can use "observant of" to describe someone who carefully notices or follows something, as in "She is very observant of the rules" or "He is observant of changes in the environment".

What's the difference between "attentive to" and "observant of"?

"Attentive to" generally means paying attention, while "observant of" often implies not just noticing but also adhering to or acting in accordance with what's observed.

Is "observant to" grammatically correct instead of "observant of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "observant" in this context is "of". "Observant to" is not standard English usage.

What are some alternatives to "observant of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "mindful of", "aware of", or "attentive to".