observing us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observing us" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts, depending on the exact meaning you wish to convey. For example, you could use it to suggest that someone is surveilling or watching someone else: The security camera was unobtrusively observing us.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

From druggy mayhem to observing US politics is a metaphor for Mercury Rev's career.

The Guardian

And an ethical body will be observing us to ensure we don't get sucked in".

The Guardian

Sitting there, observing us (and all new arrivees) was an almost-lifelike rendering of a buccaneer, except this version looks benign, not sinister.

The New York Times

Alexei Kondaurov, a former general in the F.S.B. and now a member of the Duma, said, "I look around at this audience and I think there are people, um, observing us.

The New Yorker

"The waiter, arriving a moment later, gazed with surprise at the empty space on the quay; then observing us with a quickly-masked flicker of pleasure, he stepped unhesitatingly into the sea...".

The Guardian - Books

She kissed us both, and then asked, concerned, "What are you doing here?" Señor Azcárate had already made his way to his comfortable leather chair, and he sat now, observing us with an air of patrician benevolence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

One that exists inside our phones and involves uploading a constant reel of videos to followers who will observe us, and who we will observe observing, and who will observe us observing them observing, like our own personal reality show except we're the only contestant, and the only editor, and it never goes off air.

Vice

Up in the trees, chattering toucans and gangs of guttural howler monkeys observed us.

The Guardian - Travel

The young mother observes us with a reserved, appraising eye that could not have been better captured with a camera.

The New York Times - Arts

It's possible the eagle observed us with greater clarity but less interest.

Independent

As aliens observe us through their intergalactic telescopes, they must laugh their little green heads off at certain illogical aspects of human behavior.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "observing us" to describe situations where a deliberate act of watching or monitoring is taking place. It's appropriate when indicating surveillance, study, or general awareness of a group's actions or presence.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "observing us" in very casual conversation might sound overly formal or detached. Opt for simpler terms like "watching us" or "seeing us" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observing us" typically functions as a verb phrase within a clause. It indicates the action of someone or something watching or monitoring a group of people. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, such as describing surveillance or scientific observation, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "observing us" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of watching or monitoring a group. According to Ludwig, it is versatile and appears in diverse contexts, although it tends to be more prevalent in neutral to formal settings such as news, science, and literature. While simpler alternatives like "watching us" exist, "observing us" often conveys a more deliberate or systematic form of observation. Therefore, while it can be used to add formality, be sure to pick the expression which is more suitable for your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitoring us

Emphasizes a systematic and often continuous watch, usually for a specific purpose or to gather data.

watching us

A more general term for observing, without necessarily implying a specific intention or method.

scrutinizing us

Suggests a detailed and critical examination, often with the aim of finding fault or making judgments.

keeping an eye on us

An idiomatic expression indicating a protective or supervisory watch.

surveying us

Implies a broad overview or assessment, often from a distance.

inspecting us

Suggests a formal or official examination, typically to ensure compliance with standards.

examining us

Indicates a closer look, often for a specific purpose, such as understanding or diagnosing.

assessing us

Emphasizes the evaluation or judgment of the group being observed.

following us

Suggests tracking the movement or progress of the group.

noting us

Simply means to take notice of someone, often without any particular intention.

FAQs

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

You can use "observing us" to describe situations where someone or something is watching or monitoring a group of people. For example, "The security cameras are constantly observing us."

What are some alternatives to "observing us"?

Some alternatives include "watching us", "monitoring us", or "keeping an eye on us", depending on the context.

Is "observing us" formal or informal?

"Observing us" leans towards the formal side. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "watching us".

What's the difference between "observing us" and "watching us"?

While similar, "observing us" often implies a more deliberate, systematic, or detached act of watching, whereas "watching us" is a more general term for seeing or viewing.