under observation

USAGE SUMMARY

"under observation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which someone or something is being closely watched or monitored, usually to observe the effect of something. Example: The subjects of the experiment were left under observation for 24 hours to collect data.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nearly 400 remain under observation.

The Economist

Under observation Counted out Reprints.

The Economist

(She was hospitalised last night under observation).

Independent

The Sharks announced he was under observation.

The Guardian - Sport

Washington safety Curtis Williams was under observation at Stanford Hospital.

The New York Times - Sports

Then Asta Nielsen suddenly remembers she is under observation.

The Guardian - Film

He will rest today and remain under observation.

The Guardian - Sport

Another suspected case is under observation in Luis Razetti.

The Guardian

He is being kept under observation until the weekend.

The Guardian - Music

He will review the list of MPs under observation.

The Economist

When acquitted, he spent three months under observation in Bellevue Hospital.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under observation" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is being carefully watched, typically in a medical, scientific, or security context. For example, "The patient is under observation for any signs of complications."

Common error

Avoid using "under observation" when active intervention or manipulation is involved. If there is an active manipulation or intervention then the expression is not appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The patient was under observation and given medication", say "The patient was treated and monitored".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under observation" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of being closely watched or monitored. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under observation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a state of being closely watched or monitored. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from medical and scientific settings to news reports and formal documents. The phrase is most commonly found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. While versatile, it's important to differentiate its meaning from similar expressions like "under surveillance" or "closely monitored", and to avoid using it when active intervention is involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being monitored

This alternative focuses on the act of monitoring, emphasizing the ongoing process.

closely monitored

This highlights the intensity and care with which something is being watched.

being watched

This is a simpler, more direct way of saying someone or something is being observed.

being examined

Focuses on the detailed inspection or analysis that is occurring.

subject to scrutiny

This phrase emphasizes a more critical and detailed examination.

under close inspection

Emphasizes the thoroughness and detail of the examination.

subject to assessment

Implies a formal evaluation or judgment is taking place.

under review

Suggests a formal process of examination and evaluation.

under surveillance

This alternative suggests a more covert or security-focused monitoring.

in a controlled setting

Highlights the artificial and regulated conditions of the observation.

FAQs

How can I use "under observation" in a sentence?

You can use "under observation" to describe a situation where someone or something is being monitored closely, especially in medical or scientific contexts. For example, "The doctor kept the patient "under observation" after the surgery."

What are some alternatives to "under observation"?

Alternatives include "being monitored", "subject to scrutiny", or "under surveillance", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "under observation" or "in observation"?

"Under observation" is the correct and more common phrase. "In observation" is less frequently used and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What does it mean when someone is "under observation" in a hospital?

When a patient is "under observation" in a hospital, it typically means that medical staff are closely monitoring their condition, vital signs, and symptoms to assess their health status and determine the appropriate course of treatment.