observe him

USAGE SUMMARY

'observe him' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone watching another person closely. For example: She carefully observed him, trying to guess his next move.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Occasionally, we would also add additional subjects in real-time if we saw a clinician during our observation who was willing to let us observe him or her on the spot.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

To observe him was to feel a storm of emotions.

The New York Times

Jonah's inner world is a baffling mystery even to those who observe him most closely.

The Guardian - Books

The service would continue to observe him if he were granted the expanded privileges.

The New York Times

The psychologist visited class to observe him, said Ms. Urban, and worked on Zander's social skills.

The New York Times

He therefore makes an extra effort whenever Tabakow comes to Akson to observe him.

The New Yorker

Young American Army doctors came by the dozen to observe him.

The New Yorker

As you observe him enthusiastically snipping away at various heads, you sense a sculptor at work.

The New York Times

But I have been able to observe him and chat with him on a number of occasions.

The New York Times - Magazine

From Bromsgrove, Housman won a scholarship to St. John's College, Oxford, which is where Stoppard prefers to observe him.

The New Yorker

But it was a hugely important point of my development as I got an opportunity to observe him at work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "observe him", consider the context and choose a synonym if a more specific type of observation is intended, such as "monitor him" for regular observation or "scrutinize him" for critical observation.

Common error

Avoid prematurely drawing conclusions while observing. Observation should be about gathering facts, not immediately forming opinions or judgments. Ensure you have sufficient evidence before making any inferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observe him" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "observe" is the verb and "him" is the object. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe the action of watching someone closely. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, from scientific observation to personal assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "observe him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the act of watching someone attentively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing styles. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific and wiki sources. When using "observe him", consider the context and potential synonyms like "watch him" or "monitor him" to best convey your intended meaning. The key is to gather facts objectively without premature judgment, making the observation effective and insightful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watch him

This alternative uses a more general term for observation.

monitor him

This implies a more systematic and regular observation, often for a specific purpose.

scrutinize him

This suggests a very careful and critical observation.

examine him

Suggests a detailed inspection, potentially for evaluation.

study him

Implies a more focused and analytical observation, often with the goal of understanding.

keep an eye on him

This is a more idiomatic way of saying to watch someone, often to ensure their safety or prevent them from doing something wrong.

take notice of him

Highlights the act of becoming aware of someone and paying attention to them.

pay attention to him

Emphasizes the act of directing one's focus towards someone.

witness him

Implies being present to see something happen to him.

view him

A more formal way to say see or look at someone.

FAQs

How can I use "observe him" in a sentence?

You can use "observe him" to describe watching someone carefully. For example, "The scientist wanted to observe him in his natural habitat".

What are some alternatives to "observe him"?

Alternatives include "watch him", "monitor him", or "scrutinize him", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "observe him" and "look at him"?

"Observe him" implies a more deliberate and focused act of watching, often with a specific purpose, while "look at him" is more general.

When is it appropriate to use "observe him" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "observe him" in both formal and informal writing when you want to emphasize a careful and intentional act of watching someone to gather information or understand their behavior.