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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
observed upon
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "observed upon" is not correct and is not commonly used in written English.
It is typically intended to convey the act of observing something, but the preposition "upon" is not appropriate in this context. Example: "The results were observed in the experiment."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Alternative expressions(7)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
It is even observed upon the most lofty of Alps.
News & Media
A similar pattern was observed upon subgroup analysis.
Conversely no yellow brown discoloration is observed upon UV irradiation.
Science
Similarly impaired ion signaling was observed upon gravistimulation.
Science
During cycling a reversible pressure decrease was observed upon charging.
Science
One to four phase transitions have been observed upon heating.
Science
Order order transitions are observed upon heating some hybrids.
Science
The fluorescence of the QD was observed upon the addition of saccharides.
Science
This explains the increased resistance to drought that is observed upon addition of IONs.
Science
Intracellular labelling observed upon salt (upper) and osmotic stress (middle) are indicated with arrows.
Science
Moreover, accumulation of saliva and the distended esophagus were observed upon upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (Fig. 7).
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using "observed upon" in formal writing. Instead, use more common and grammatically correct alternatives like "observed in", "noted in", or "detected in" depending on the context.
Common error
Many writers mistakenly use "upon" after "observed", likely due to its archaic usage in similar contexts. Always double-check your preposition choices and opt for "in", "during", or "when" for clarity and correctness.
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "observed upon" functions as a passive verb construction combined with a preposition. However, it's considered grammatically incorrect and is not recommended for standard English usage. As Ludwig AI points out, the preposition 'upon' is inappropriate in this context.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "observed upon" appears frequently, particularly in scientific publications, Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically incorrect. It's best to replace it with more standard alternatives like "observed in", "observed during", or other contextually appropriate phrases. Using these alternatives will ensure clearer and more grammatically sound writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
noticed in
Replaces "observed upon" with a more common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase, focusing on the location of the observation.
detected in
Similar to "noticed in", but implies a more technical or scientific detection process.
seen in
A simpler and more direct alternative, suitable for general observations.
noted in
Suggests a formal or recorded observation, often used in documentation.
found in
Indicates the discovery of something during an observation.
identified in
Implies a clear and specific recognition of something during the observation.
witnessed in
Suggests a direct and personal experience of observing something.
recognized in
Implies a prior knowledge or expectation that allows for the observation to be understood.
experienced during
Focuses on the subjective experience of the observation, rather than the observation itself.
encountered in
Suggests an unexpected or chance observation.
FAQs
What is the correct way to use "observed upon" in a sentence?
The phrase "observed upon" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use phrases like "observed in", "observed during", or "observed when" depending on the context. For example, instead of "The effect was observed upon heating", use "The effect was "observed during" heating".
What can I say instead of "observed upon"?
Alternatives to "observed upon" include "observed in", "noted in", "detected in", or "seen in". The best choice depends on the specific context of your sentence.
Which is correct, "observed upon" or "observed in"?
"Observed in" is the grammatically correct and more widely accepted phrase. "Observed upon" is considered incorrect by many style guides and may sound awkward to native English speakers.
Is "observed upon" ever appropriate to use?
While "observed upon" appears in some published works, especially in scientific literature, it is generally not recommended due to its perceived awkwardness and potential for misinterpretation. It's safer to use alternatives like ""observed during"" or "observed when" for better clarity and adherence to standard English grammar.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested