observing by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observing by" is not standard in written English and may lead to confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate the method or means of observation, but it is not commonly used. Example: "The researchers were observing by using advanced technology to gather data."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

An extract from DS' reflective journal written just after this observation read: I was struck by the balancing act that I had been observing – by the coder's clear sense that she was serving both patient and doctor and always trying to gauge their interests.

BMC Health Services Research

Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park became England's first International Dark Sky Park Observing by boat Observing by boat You need not visit an observatory to watch the stars.

Independent

Stevens's label, Asthmatic Kitty, posted the review on its Facebook page, observing: "By delight he must mean crying all the time".

The Guardian - Music

Once he has become interested in a girl, he sticks to her with the fidelity of a reigning diva's impresario — applauding her triumphs, developing her most striking characteristics, and observing by the hour her personality quirks and her mannerisms, both when she is moving about and when she is in repose.

The New Yorker

Their catalytic behavior was identified observing by the combustion effect of propane in a tube furnace.

Surface and Coatings Technology

By listening, by observing, by asking the right questions at the right time, good hospice workers like Carolyn can recognize where patients and loved ones are in the process of preparing for end of life and can then take the right opportunity to help, support and educate.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Impeccably observed by all at St James Parkk.

The Guardian - Sport

It was also observed by the Chinese.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Business

A number of arrests were observed by media.

The Guardian

A private memorial service will be observed by the family.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "observing by" with more common and grammatically sound alternatives such as "observing through", "observing with", or rephrasing to use "observing using" for clarity. This will enhance readability and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

A frequent mistake is using "observing by" when a different preposition, such as "through" or "with", would be more grammatically correct and clearer. For example, instead of "observing by a telescope", use "observing through a telescope".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observing by" functions to describe the act of watching or noticing something using a particular means or method. As noted by Ludwig AI, this is not a standard phrase. Examples show it used to link an action of observation with the tool or method used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "observing by" appears in some contexts, it isn't standard English. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is best practice to use more common and grammatically correct alternatives such as "observing through" or "observing with". The phrase is seen in scientific and news media sources, but its infrequent use and potential for misinterpretation suggest opting for clearer language. Be mindful of selecting the most precise preposition to specify the means or method of observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observing through

Replaces 'by' with 'through' to emphasize the means or method of observation.

watching via

Substitutes 'observing' with 'watching' and 'by' with 'via' to denote observation through a specific medium or channel.

noting by means of

Uses 'noting' instead of 'observing' and expands 'by' to 'by means of' for greater clarity and formality.

monitoring with

Replaces 'observing' with 'monitoring' and 'by' with 'with' to suggest a more systematic and continuous observation process.

detecting through

Employs 'detecting' instead of 'observing' to highlight the act of discovering something through observation.

inspecting using

Replaces 'observing' with 'inspecting' to emphasize a detailed examination, using 'using' to specify the tools or methods.

scrutinizing via

Substitutes 'observing' with 'scrutinizing' to indicate close and critical observation, using 'via' to show the method.

examining through the use of

Replaces "observing" with "examining", offering a more formal tone that emphasizes scrutiny and investigation using specific tools or techniques.

perceiving through

Switches from "observing" to "perceiving," shifting the focus towards the act of becoming aware or understanding via a particular method or sense.

ascertaining by

Suggests discovering or establishing something definitely, using a method implied by 'by'.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "observing by"?

Alternatives include "observing through", "observing with", or "watching via" depending on the context and intended meaning.

Is "observing by" grammatically correct?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "observing by" is an uncommon phrasing. It is often better to use alternatives such as "observing through" or "observing with" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness.

How can I use "observing by" correctly in a sentence?

It's generally recommended to rephrase sentences using "observing by" to use alternatives like "observing through" or "observing with" for better clarity and adherence to standard English grammar.

Which preposition is more appropriate: "observing by", "observing through", or "observing with"?

Both "observing through" and "observing with" are generally more appropriate than "observing by". "Observing through" is suitable when referring to observing with the aid of an instrument or medium, while "observing with" is used to indicate observing using a particular sense or quality.