observing with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observing with" can be used in written English.
It typically functions as a verb phrase, in which the word "observing" is the main verb and "with" functions as a preposition. It can be used to describe the act of watching or paying attention to something while using a specific tool or method. Example: She spent the afternoon observing with her binoculars, trying to spot any rare birds in the nearby woods.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is Churchill at her best, observing with wry compassion how people actually talk.

The Guardian

Becky's camán-wielding cohort lounged on a nearby wall, observing with studied wrath.

The New Yorker

We see food — meat in a grinder, vegetables in a bowl — and faces observing with attention and concern.

The New Yorker

Scientists are observing with increasing alarm that some very common hormone-mimicking chemicals can have grotesque effects.

The New York Times

And he ended by observing, with barely masked condescension, "We've got to be aware that not everybody thinks the same as everyone in this room".

The New York Times - Magazine

And worst of all, he has spent his whole life listening and observing, with the result that he now knows something to the disadvantage of everyone present.

The Guardian - Books

His wife, quick to learn German, played her cards shrewdly, too, steering clear of trouble and patiently observing with a perceptive but not unsympathetic eye.

The New York Times - Books

"You can minimise the effect of the moonlight by observing with your back to the moon – possibly viewing the Cassiopeia/Cepheus/Ursa Minor area.

The Guardian

Downing Street is observing with relief, and not a little amusement, as the Brexiters divide into factions, all with different approaches and priorities.

The Guardian

In addition, by observing with some level of rigor what works and what doesn't, managers will be able to improve their strategy decision making.

Harvard Business Review

Observing with M. Observatory, 0.76-m reflector) writes that her images from Oct. 20.5 show a 430 -long tail pointing to the north-northwest.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific or technical procedures, be specific about the instruments or methods used when "observing with", for instance, "observing with a telescope" or "observing with a microscope".

Common error

Ensure that it's clear what is being observed and with what. Overly broad statements using "observing with" can lack precision and leave the reader questioning the specifics of the observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observing with" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "observing" is the main verb and "with" introduces the means or instrument used for observation. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis of its grammatical role as a descriptive verb phrase used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

29%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "observing with" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase. As Ludwig AI points out, it serves to specify the instruments, tools, or methods utilized during an observation. Grammatically sound, the phrase sees frequent usage across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Academia. While generally neutral, its formality can lean towards scientific or technical settings. When using "observing with", ensure clarity about the observation's subject and the means by which it is conducted to enhance precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watching with

Replaces "observing" with a more general term for seeing, suitable when specific details of observation are less important.

viewing with

Similar to "watching", but implies a more deliberate or focused act of seeing.

examining with

Suggests a closer, more detailed inspection than simply "observing".

inspecting with

Similar to examining, but often implies a more formal or official process.

monitoring with

Implies continuous observation over time, often for a specific purpose.

scrutinizing with

Suggests a careful and critical observation, often looking for flaws or errors.

assessing with

Focuses on evaluating or judging something based on observation.

studying with

Suggests learning about something through observation and analysis.

analyzing with

Implies breaking down something into its components to understand it better.

contemplating with

Suggests a thoughtful and reflective observation, often considering the meaning or implications of what is seen.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "observing with" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "examining with", "inspecting with", or "analyzing with", depending on the context. These options often convey a greater sense of precision and detailed attention.

What does it mean to say someone is "observing with detachment"?

To "observe with detachment" means to watch or notice something without allowing your personal feelings or biases to influence your perception or judgment. It suggests a neutral and objective perspective.

Which is the correct way to say it, "observing with" or "observing by"?

"Observing with" is generally used to indicate the instrument or method being used for observation. "Observing by" is less common but can be used to indicate the means by which something is observed, though it is often replaced with "observing through" or "observing via" for clarity.

In what contexts is "observing with" most appropriate?

The phrase "observing with" is suitable in contexts where you want to specify the tools, instruments, or methods used to make an observation. This is common in scientific, technical, and detailed descriptive writing.