spying on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spying on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of secretly observing or monitoring someone or something, often without their knowledge. Example: "The detective was accused of spying on the suspect to gather evidence for the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be careful who you spying on!

WikiHow

Spying on the vehicular tunnel.

The New Yorker

"What?" "Stop spying on me".

The New Yorker

Spying on us".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Spying on the Russians.

The Guardian

They're spying on us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Spying on himself?

The New Yorker

Spying on dogs?

The New York Times - Books

S.E.A. members deny spying on Syrian civilians.

The New York Times - Tech

"A chairman spying on her board?

The New Yorker

The Russians are spying on suburbia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spying on" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the spying and who or what is being spied upon to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Be mindful of the negative connotations associated with "spying on". If you intend to convey a less intrusive form of observation, consider using alternatives like "monitoring" or "observing" to soften the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spying on" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of secretly observing someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spying on" is a verb phrase that describes the act of secretly observing someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, but it is most frequently found in News & Media. While the phrase itself has a neutral tone, the act of "spying on" carries strong negative connotations. When using this phrase, be sure to choose it intentionally for the appropriate tone, or choose a more appropriate alternative depending on the context, like "surveilling" or "monitoring".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surveilling

This alternative refers to the act of keeping someone or something under observation, often using electronic equipment.

monitoring

This option implies a regular check or observation of someone or something over a period of time.

keeping watch on

This phrase means to observe someone or something closely, often to protect them or maintain control.

observing secretly

This alternative describes the act of watching someone or something without being noticed.

secretly watching

The words order has been inverted to produce the same meaning, keeping in mind that the word "secretly" refers to the way the action is done.

keeping tabs on

This phrase means to monitor someone's activities or progress.

eavesdropping on

This option refers specifically to secretly listening to a conversation.

bugging

This alternative usually involves using electronic devices to listen secretly to conversations.

peeping on

This option refers to secretly looking at someone, often in a sexual context.

conducting surveillance

This alternative refers to the act of keeping someone under observation usually in a professional way.

FAQs

How can I use "spying on" in a sentence?

You can use "spying on" to describe the act of secretly watching someone. For example, "The government was accused of "spying on" its citizens".

What are some alternatives to "spying on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "surveilling", "monitoring", or "observing secretly".

When is it appropriate to use "spying on"?

"Spying on" is appropriate when describing a clandestine or illicit act of observation. Be aware of its negative connotations and use it when the context involves secrecy and potential wrongdoing.

What's the difference between "spying on" and "monitoring"?

"Spying on" implies a hidden and often unethical observation, while "monitoring" suggests a more open or authorized form of observation. The choice depends on the context and the intent you want to convey.