observed her

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observed her" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of watching or noticing someone in a particular context, often implying careful attention. Example: "As she walked through the park, he observed her interactions with the children playing nearby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I observed her.

The New Yorker

He observed her face.

The New Yorker

The North East director, Nancy E. Troiano, observed her progress.

The New York Times

Graham observed her and commented, "Good girl, Ethel".

The New York Times - Arts

Nina observed her kitchen, trying to shake off her embarrassing excess of excitement.

The New Yorker

Colleagues observed her flirting with Mr. Perrault in the emergencies, Mr. Welch said.

The New York Times

The next morning at 9 a.m., I observed her giving him oral sex to completion.

The New Yorker

During their friendship, Mr. Albee closely observed her, although in typical fashion, he never took notes about their meetings.

The New York Times - Arts

I have observed her for more than ten years, and have interviewed her on a few occasions.

The New Yorker

"Have you ever observed her alter a phone message like that before?" a prosecutor, Michael Schachter, asked Ms. Armstrong.

The New York Times

Mainly she observed, her eyes shifting between my knife and the Spanish doll parked before her on the desktop.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "observed her", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason and manner of observation. Consider specifying what was observed to provide more clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "observed her" without providing sufficient context about the nature of the observation. Saying "I observed her" without specifying what you observed can leave the reader wondering about the focus of your attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observed her" functions as a transitive verb phrase, where 'observed' is the verb and 'her' is the direct object. It indicates the act of visually perceiving and noting someone's actions or appearance. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable format.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

5%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "observed her" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the act of watching or noticing a female subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is considered correct for written English. Its prevalence in news and media contexts suggests a neutral register suitable for a variety of descriptive and narrative purposes. While "observed her" is generally appropriate, writers should be mindful of providing sufficient context to clarify the nature and purpose of the observation. Considering alternative phrasing like "watched her" or "noticed her" can add nuance and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watched her

Simple substitution, emphasizing the act of watching.

noticed her

Focuses on the act of becoming aware of her presence or actions.

saw her

A basic and direct way of expressing visual perception.

witnessed her

Implies observing an event or action, often of significance.

kept an eye on her

Suggests a continuous and watchful observation, often for protection or suspicion.

scrutinized her

Indicates a close and critical examination of her.

monitored her

Implies a systematic and regular observation, often for a specific purpose.

paid attention to her

Highlights the act of focusing one's attention on her.

took note of her

Emphasizes the act of registering her presence or actions.

surveyed her

Suggests a comprehensive visual examination of her.

FAQs

How can I use "observed her" in a sentence?

You can use "observed her" to describe watching someone, such as, "I observed her behavior during the meeting." The phrase indicates a conscious act of watching.

What are some alternatives to "observed her"?

Alternatives include "watched her", "noticed her", or "saw her", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "observed her" than "watched her"?

"Observed her" is generally more formal than "watched her". The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "observed her" and "studied her"?

"Observed her" implies watching someone, while "studied her" suggests a more in-depth analysis or investigation. "Studied her" implies a more deliberate and analytical approach.