observed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something has been seen or monitored by another person or entity. Example: "The experiment was carefully observed by the researchers to ensure accurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was also observed by the Chinese.

The New York Times

Outside, observed by hotel security men, Jasiewicz leads the chants.

The Guardian - Business

Impeccably observed by all at St James Parkk.

The Guardian - Sport

No injuries were observed by the United Nations advance team.

The Guardian

A number of arrests were observed by media.

The Guardian

A private memorial service will be observed by the family.

The New York Times

The meeting was observed by Malaysian intelligence agents who later alerted the Central Intelligence Agency.

The New York Times

All this observed by the haughty faces of three Venetian dowagers swathed in furs.

The Guardian - Film

She is in many ways an alien among aliens, observed by clutch of normal Parisians.

The New York Times - Arts

He travels with just one aide and is respectfully observed by an adoring if untutored public.

The Guardian

The Hedgehog Bourgeois French life as observed by a precocious little girl.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "observed by", ensure the subject performing the observation is clearly identified to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "observed by" in contexts where the observer is unclear or unspecified. This can lead to confusion about who or what is responsible for the observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observed by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent an action of being observed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to specify by whom or what the observation was made.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "observed by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that specifies the agent of observation. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread acceptance. It's commonly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, with a neutral to formal tone. When writing, ensure the observer is clearly identified and consider alternative phrases like "seen by" or "monitored by" depending on the context. Be careful to avoid vague references to the observer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

witnessed by

Replaces "observed" with "witnessed", implying a more direct or significant act of seeing.

seen by

A simpler and more direct way of saying "observed by", suitable for informal contexts.

monitored by

Suggests a continuous and systematic observation, often for a specific purpose.

viewed by

A more formal alternative to "seen by", often used in technical or descriptive contexts.

detected by

Indicates that something was noticed, often through technical means or instruments.

scrutinized by

Indicates a careful and thorough examination or observation.

noticed by

Implies a casual or incidental observation.

identified by

Highlights the recognition or determination of something based on observation.

spotted by

Suggests a quick or unexpected observation.

overlooked by

This implies that something was not observed, so this expresses the opposite.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "observed by" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "monitored by", "scrutinized by", or "viewed by" depending on the context.

What's a simpler way to say "observed by"?

A simpler alternative is "seen by", which is suitable for more informal contexts while retaining the same basic meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "observed by" instead of "witnessed by"?

"Observed by" is generally used for systematic or scientific observation, while "witnessed by" suggests a direct and often unexpected act of seeing an event. Choose based on the nature of the observation.

What does "observed by" imply about the observation process?

"Observed by" implies that someone or something actively perceived or monitored something else. The nature of this process can vary from casual noticing to careful, systematic study.