observe the process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observe the process" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to watching or monitoring a specific procedure or series of actions, often in a learning or analytical context. Example: "During the experiment, we will observe the process to gather data on the chemical reactions taking place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Judge Lewis allowed the Democratic and Republican Parties to observe the process, but prohibited their observers from raising oral objections.

The New York Times

The study was not designed to observe the process of implementation from start to finish and relies on hindsight observations of interviewees to some extent.

BMC Health Services Research

Customers are encouraged to observe the process.

The New York Times

She came here to observe the process.

The New York Times

For one thing, they suggest that leadership is learnable: you just observe the process.

The New Yorker

Campaign representatives will be allowed to observe the process and challenge ballots they believe to be questionable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"They were observing the process.

The New York Times

Senator Kennedy observed the process, too.

The New Yorker

Still, as many have observed, the process has proceeded backward.

The New York Times - Arts

I observed the process for the first time last summer in Chicago, having found nothing closer to New York.

The New Yorker

We still don't have lawyers observing the process directly," Pornpen Khongkachonkiet, a human rights activist, told Reuters.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "observe the process" in a formal context, ensure that the observer's role and purpose are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether the observation is for data collection, quality control, or training purposes.

Common error

Avoid using "observe the process" in overly casual conversations where simpler terms like "watch how it's done" or "see what happens" would be more appropriate. This maintains a natural tone and avoids sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observe the process" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "observe" acts as the main verb and "the process" as its direct object. It describes the act of watching or monitoring a particular procedure or sequence of actions. Ludwig indicates its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "observe the process" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the act of watching and analyzing a procedure. As Ludwig confirms, it’s suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "monitor the procedure" or "watch the steps" exist, "observe the process" maintains a level of formality that is valued in technical and official communications. It's essential to use it judiciously in informal conversations to avoid sounding stilted. Be mindful of the observer's role and goal to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitor the procedure

Replaces "observe" with "monitor", emphasizing continuous tracking and evaluation.

watch the steps

Substitutes "observe" with "watch" and "process" with "steps", providing a more straightforward and informal alternative.

follow the procedure

Changes "observe" to "follow", highlighting the act of tracking and adhering to the process.

scrutinize the operation

Replaces "observe" with "scrutinize", indicating a more detailed and critical examination of the process.

witness the activity

Substitutes "observe" with "witness" and "process" with "activity", suggesting a firsthand experience of the procedure.

track the development

Changes "observe" to "track" and "process" to "development", focusing on monitoring the evolution of the procedure.

examine the undertaking

Replaces "observe" with "examine" and "process" with "undertaking", implying a thorough investigation of the procedure.

oversee the action

Substitutes "observe" with "oversee" and "process" with "action", suggesting a supervisory role in monitoring the procedure.

inspect the mechanism

Changes "observe" to "inspect" and "process" to "mechanism", emphasizing a close examination of how the procedure works.

study the progression

Replaces "observe" with "study" and "process" with "progression", indicating a systematic and detailed analysis of the procedure's advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "observe the process" in a sentence?

You can use "observe the process" to describe watching or monitoring a procedure, such as "Scientists "observe the process" of cell division under a microscope" or "Auditors "observe the process" to ensure compliance".

What are some alternatives to "observe the process"?

Alternatives include "monitor the procedure", "watch the steps", or "follow the procedure", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

In what contexts is "observe the process" most appropriate?

"Observe the process" is suitable in formal, scientific, or technical contexts where a detailed understanding or analysis of a procedure is required. For example, it's fitting in scientific research, quality control, or legal oversight.

Is there a difference between "observe the process" and "participate in the process"?

Yes. "Observe the process" implies watching and analyzing without direct involvement, while "participate in the process" means actively taking part in the procedure.