was being observed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was being observed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action in the past where someone or something was under observation. Example: "During the experiment, the subjects were unaware that they were being observed by the researchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

ICU staff were aware that an observational audit was in progress but blind to what was being observed.

Critical Care

"None of his close family visited him in Lazarevo while the house was being observed.

The Guardian

He knew he was being observed by a huge public audience, and was trying to be open-minded.

The Guardian

The government also denied that the general strike was being observed.

The New York Times

As I struggled past a tangled mass of gorse, I realised that I was being observed by a stonechat perched on a bracken frond.

The Guardian

Because of its proximity to the border, it was "being observed" by the army and our canny relative soon discouraged "known" young people like me from visiting.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Forget formal observations, you're being observed by up to 30 pupils every lesson.

The Guardian

Dickey observes while he is being observed.

The New York Times

You talk differently when you are being observed.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Imagine you are being observed from all angles and are supposed to weep freely.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was being observed", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is doing the observing. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was being observed" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The experiment was being observed by the scientists", consider "The scientists were observing the experiment" for a more direct and engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being observed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being watched or monitored. This is supported by Ludwig, which highlights examples where it describes subjects under observation in both news and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

46%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was being observed" functions as a passive construction used to describe a past state of surveillance or monitoring. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. While grammatically sound, writers should be mindful of choosing the active voice when appropriate for more direct communication. Understanding the nuances of "was being observed" allows for more precise and effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was under surveillance

Emphasizes the act of monitoring more directly using the noun 'surveillance'.

was being monitored

Replaces 'observed' with 'monitored', suggesting a more technical or systematic form of observation.

was being watched

A more common and informal way to express observation.

was kept under observation

Highlights the continuous nature of the observation.

was subjected to scrutiny

Indicates a more critical and detailed form of observation.

was kept in sight

Focuses on maintaining visual contact.

was under scrutiny

Similar to 'subjected to scrutiny' but more concise.

was having their actions scrutinized

Highlights that an action is undergoing detailed inspection.

actions were tracked

Focuses on the tracking of actions, implying a record of behavior.

was having its every move scrutinized

Replaces 'observed' with a phrase indicating an in-depth inspection of the target's every move.

FAQs

How can I use "was being observed" in a sentence?

Use "was being observed" to indicate that someone or something was the object of observation in the past. For instance, "The patient "was being observed" for any signs of improvement".

What are some alternatives to "was being observed"?

Alternatives include "was under surveillance", "was being monitored", or "was being watched", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was being observed"?

While "was being observed" is grammatically correct, consider using the active voice when possible for a more direct and concise sentence. For example, instead of "The suspect "was being observed by the detectives"", try "The detectives observed the suspect".

What's the difference between "was being observed" and "was observed"?

"Was observed" indicates a completed action of observation, while "was being observed" implies an ongoing process of observation in the past. For example, "The comet "was observed" last night" versus "The comet "was being observed" throughout the week".