observe intently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observe intently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of watching something closely and with great focus or attention. Example: "The scientist had to observe intently to notice the subtle changes in the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The research team will also be trained to listen and observe intently without displaying any judgmental attitude towards information they receive from the informants and on other critical ethical issues.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Young chimps, for example, have been observed intently watching as their elders show them how to crack open nuts using rocks.

Science Magazine

The first time she did this at a hospital where long-faced, white-robed doctors stood by and observed her intently, Ms. Malinina soon vomited.

The New York Times

When Bebe and the two writers came back from a walk around Capitán Jourdan, they found Ibarrola unconscious on the table, and Pereda sitting beside him in a chair, observing him intently, like a medical student.

The New Yorker

• Perhaps no primary in the state is being observed more intently by political professionals than that of Sheldon Silver, speaker of the state Assembly and one of the most powerful men in Albany.

The New York Times

Find someone to watch intently.

The New York Times

He paced the sideline and intently observed most snaps bent over at the waist with his hands on his knees.

The New York Times - Sports

Amid the din, Goldsworthy, a wiry Englishman in his forties with a habitually frank and friendly expression, observed the burning intently.

The New Yorker

But he played through most of the performance, and observed his sidemen intently at all times, dictating nothing but influencing the outcome nonetheless.

The New York Times - Arts

"I don't have a computer at home," said Ruslan Reshetnikov, an 18-year-old sophomore intently observing the resistance process on screen, "but I spend about three or four hours a day here.

The New York Times

A former biology teacher in the South Bronx, she has spent a decade perched on a rough-hewn platform in an opening in the rain forests of the Central African Republic, intently observing the interactions of hundreds of forest elephants that briefly leave the dense jungle to partake of the minerals and water in mudholes there.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "observe intently" when you want to emphasize the focus and attention someone is giving to what they are watching. It adds a sense of purpose and engagement to the observation.

Common error

Avoid using "observe intently" when describing casual or passive watching. The phrase implies a deliberate and focused effort to understand or learn something through observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observe intently" functions as a verb-adverb combination, where "observe" is the verb indicating the action of watching something, and "intently" is the adverb modifying the verb, describing how the action is performed, i.e., with great focus and purpose. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "observe intently" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes watching something with great focus and purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To enhance your writing, use this phrase when you want to emphasize the observer's active engagement and attentiveness. Remember to avoid using it in casual observation contexts. Consider alternatives like "watch closely" or "scrutinize carefully" for slight nuance variations. By mastering the use of "observe intently", you can effectively convey the depth and intent of the observation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watch closely

This alternative emphasizes the visual aspect of observing with focus.

scrutinize carefully

This implies a more critical and detailed examination.

examine closely

This suggests a detailed inspection to understand something better.

pay close attention

This focuses on mental focus and attentiveness during observation.

study carefully

This suggests a methodical and focused observation for learning.

keep a close watch

This emphasizes continuous and vigilant observation.

monitor closely

This implies regular observation to track changes or progress.

give undivided attention

Focus on providing complete mental focus on something or someone.

pore over

Focuses on studying something in great detail.

be all eyes

An idiomatic expression suggesting intense visual attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "observe intently" to describe someone watching something with great focus and purpose. For example, "The scientist had to observe intently to notice the subtle changes in the experiment."

What are some alternatives to "observe intently"?

Alternatives include "watch closely", "scrutinize carefully", or "pay close attention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "observe very intently"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very" with "observe intently" can be redundant. The word "intently" already implies a high degree of focus, so it is often best to simply use "observe intently".

What is the difference between "observe intently" and "watch carefully"?

"Observe intently" suggests a deeper level of engagement and purpose compared to "watch carefully". "Observe intently" implies a more active effort to understand or analyze what is being watched, while "watch carefully" is more general.