observed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal or academic contexts to indicate that something has been seen or noted in a particular way. Example: "The phenomenon was observed to occur more frequently during the summer months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was not observed to have an injury.

The New York Times - Sports

But this is not often observed to happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Authors are sensitive beings," she observed, to titters of amusement.

The New Yorker

"It's very shiny," I observed to one employee.

The New Yorker

It's worth noting that the temperature rise observed to date isn't spread evenly around the planet.

The Guardian

Characters' names are occasionally observed to change halfway through a story.

The Guardian - Books

Such activity on the surface of the ice sheet has been observed to be growing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There was martial law without there exactly being martial law," the Prime Minister observed to me.

The New Yorker

"They say obviousness is deceptive in hindsight," the chief justice observed to Mr. Dabney.

The New York Times

He wanted, he observed, to believe that something good would happen to him after his death.

The Guardian - Books

"I can't task my gendarmerie to do the investigation," Condé observed to his advisers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, use "observed to" when you want to convey an objective, evidence-based finding. For example, "The reaction was observed to be mass transfer limited".

Common error

Avoid using "observed to" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "noticed" or "saw" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observed to" functions as a passive construction indicating that something has been noticed or detected. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, reinforcing its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "observed to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in science and news media, it serves to objectively report findings or observations. While its formal tone makes it suitable for technical and scientific contexts, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its versatility and correct application. Remember to consider synonyms like "noticed to" or "found to" to maintain clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Noticed to

Emphasizes a casual or incidental awareness, rather than a formal observation.

Seen to

Highlights the visual aspect of observation, suggesting a direct viewing.

Found to

Suggests a discovery through investigation or analysis.

Discovered to

Highlights the unexpected finding of something previously unknown.

Detected to

Implies the use of specific methods or equipment to notice something.

Ascertained to

Indicates a confirmed or verified observation after careful examination.

Revealed to

Suggests that something was made known, often after being hidden or unclear.

Identified to

Signifies the recognition of a specific entity or characteristic.

Determined to

Implies a firm decision or resolution, rather than an observation.

Established to

Focuses on the confirmation or validation of a fact or principle.

FAQs

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

Use "observed to" to indicate that something has been noticed or detected, often in a formal or scientific context. For example, "The temperature rise was "observed to" be unevenly spread around the planet".

What can I say instead of "observed to"?

You can use alternatives like "noticed to", "seen to", or "found to" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "observed that" or "observed to"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "Observed that" is typically followed by a clause (subject + verb), while "observed to" is followed by an infinitive verb. For example: "He "observed that" the experiment failed" vs. "He was "observed to" leave the lab early".

In what contexts is "observed to" most appropriate?

"Observed to" is most appropriate in formal writing, scientific reports, and technical documentation where objective observation and factual reporting are essential.