observing carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observing carefully" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of watching or monitoring something with attention to detail. Example: "The scientist was observing carefully to gather accurate data for her research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A close read of the period from Jackson's early success, alongside his siblings, to his transformative solo record "Off the Wall," in 1979, the film portrays Jackson as an artist who came into adulthood by observing carefully and asking questions (as in, to Sammy Davis, Jr.: "How'd you do that one dance move?").

The New Yorker

For even as the fiction writer tells humane stories about behavior and motive and family relations what one might think of as a sympathetic skill so he or she is also a little like the proverbial choirboy at the funeral: coldly observing, carefully pillaging, rearranging, impersonating, and re-voicing the very material that constitutes "family".

The New Yorker

For even as the fiction writer tells humane stories about behavior and motive and family relations — what one might think of as a sympathetic skill — so he or she is also a little like the proverbial choirboy at the funeral: coldly observing, carefully pillaging, rearranging, impersonating, and re-voicing the very material that constitutes "family".

The New Yorker

By observing carefully from Figure 5(b), we can estimate that the period of order-1 periodic solution is (T=5.19).

Advances in Difference Equations

One can obtain Theorem 4 by observing carefully the proof of [[6], Theorem 6], but for the sake of completeness we shall give its detailed proof, modifying their one.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Observing carefully step two, one finds that showing the existence of a coincidence point for involved maps is nothing but assuming the existence of a coincidence point itself by a suitable choice of weaker forms of commutativity and continuity conditions (see, for instance, [8 16]).

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Facilitated discussion about the art image was used to help people observe carefully, express their observations and ideas and build on the thoughts of others [ 3].

BMC Medical Education

"It's been extremely tense, but every single ballot is being observed carefully," Mr. Krishnaiyer said.

The New York Times

A study in closely observed, carefully contrasted greens, its calm accuracy can make Friedrich's trees seem relatively expressionistic.

The New York Times - Arts

This is because we depended on them for our very existence when we were young, so we observed carefully and valued hugely everything they did.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

7. The show has been the subject of much analysis: Seinfeld is "keenly observed, carefully timed, contemplative humor about life's minutiae, people's foibles and mankind's quotidian moments of angst" wrote one critic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or procedures, use "observing carefully" to emphasize the importance of detailed attention to visual cues or changes.

Common error

Avoid using "observing carefully" in passive voice constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead of saying "It was observed carefully", specify who was observing: "The scientists were observing carefully."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observing carefully" functions as a gerund phrase acting as an adverbial, modifying a verb by describing the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

50%

Wiki

7.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2.5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "observing carefully" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the attentiveness and precision in the act of observation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is particularly suitable for contexts where detail and accuracy are paramount. While it is versatile enough for use across various registers, it finds frequent application in news, media and scientific writing. Alternatives such as "watching closely" or "monitoring attentively" offer subtle nuances depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid passive voice constructions for clearer and more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watching closely

Focuses more on the act of watching rather than the thoroughness of the observation.

monitoring attentively

Emphasizes the continuous and watchful aspect of observation.

scrutinizing meticulously

Highlights the detailed and thorough nature of the examination.

inspecting thoroughly

Implies a formal and detailed examination for a specific purpose.

examining closely

Focuses on a detailed and careful examination of something.

keeping a close watch

Highlights the vigilance and attentiveness of the observation.

paying close attention

Emphasizes the focus and concentration during observation.

studying intently

Suggests a focused and dedicated effort to understand something through observation.

analyzing deeply

Emphasizes the analytical aspect of observation, focusing on understanding underlying principles.

viewing attentively

Focuses on the act of viewing with a high degree of attention and focus.

FAQs

How can I use "observing carefully" in a sentence?

You can use "observing carefully" to describe a detailed and attentive observation, such as "The detective was "observing carefully" the crime scene for any clues".

What are some alternatives to "observing carefully"?

Alternatives include "watching closely", "monitoring attentively", or "examining closely". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "observing carefully" and "observing closely"?

While similar, "observing carefully" emphasizes the thoroughness and attention to detail in the observation, whereas "observing closely" focuses more on the proximity and attentiveness to the subject.

When is it appropriate to use "observing carefully" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in any context where detailed and attentive observation is necessary, such as scientific reports, legal documents, or professional assessments. In such cases, the phrase helps to convey a sense of rigor and precision.