Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we've been observing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
We've been observing you quite a bit recently at research groups, and one thing has become abundantly clear: there's no such thing as a typical i reader.
News & Media
"For several months we've been observing more inflation at the factory gate, higher commodities inflation and the risk of higher pay settlements," he said.
News & Media
The increasing convergence in black and white viewing patterns "is something we've been observing over the last five or six years," said Stacey Lynn Koerner, executive vice president and director for global research integration at Initiative Media in New York, as the networks scheduled additional series with ensemble casts reflecting what David N.
News & Media
"We've been observing them underwater every summer since 1985," she says.
News & Media
"We've been observing Nico for some time now and his performances have been very persuasive," said Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn.
News & Media
While some of the option activity we've been observing could have negative implications for the market, the surveys we are tracking continue to display a growing pessimism that deserves a check mark for the bull case.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
He goes further than that, though: "Clearly, we have been observing evolution only for a very short time.
News & Media
That does a lot to explain the slow markets we have been observing lately.
News & Media
We had been observing him in preparation, he was not so good, he was not the same David de Gea as before.
News & Media
This is a pattern that we have been observing all year, and it seems to have become more pronounced recently.
News & Media
We had been observing him and he was not so good – he was not the same David De Gea as before.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "we've been observing" when indicating a trend or pattern noticed over time. This phrase is suitable for reports, analyses, and discussions where sustained observation is relevant.
Common error
Avoid shifting to the simple present tense when continuing to describe ongoing observations. Maintain consistency by continuing with past tenses to accurately reflect the duration of observation.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we've been observing" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to the present. It highlights the duration and ongoing nature of the observation.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
40%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "we've been observing" is a present perfect continuous phrase used to describe actions started in the past and continuing to the present, mostly in neutral register contexts such as News & Media and Science. According to Ludwig, its primary grammatical function is to highlight the duration and ongoing nature of an observation. When writing, ensure to maintain consistent tense when discussing observations, and consider alternatives like "we've been monitoring" or "we've noticed" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we've been watching
This alternative suggests a more casual form of observation, often implying entertainment or passive viewing.
we've been monitoring
This implies a more systematic and regular observation, often for a specific purpose such as tracking changes or ensuring compliance.
we've been tracking
This alternative emphasizes the tracing or following of something's progress or movement over time.
we've noticed
This suggests a more passive observation, where something has come to one's attention without necessarily deliberate monitoring.
we've been following
This implies keeping up with developments or progress of something, often with interest or anticipation.
we've been studying
This suggests a more formal and in-depth observation, often involving analysis and detailed examination.
we've been examining
This implies a careful and detailed inspection or investigation.
we've been surveying
This suggests a broad and comprehensive observation, often involving data collection and analysis.
we've been aware of
This indicates a consciousness or knowledge of something, often without necessarily direct observation.
we've been cognizant of
This suggests a formal awareness or understanding of something, often implying a sense of responsibility or concern.
FAQs
What does "we've been observing" mean?
It means that a group of people has been watching or monitoring something over a period of time, and is now reporting on what they have seen or learned.
What can I say instead of "we've been observing"?
You can use alternatives like "we've been watching", "we've been monitoring", or "we've noticed" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "we have been observing" instead of "we've been observing"?
Yes, "we have been observing" and "we've been observing" are both grammatically correct and have the same meaning. The second one is a contraction.
What is the difference between "observing" and "monitoring"?
"Observing" is a general term for watching something, while "monitoring" implies a more systematic and regular observation, often for a specific purpose. Therefore you could say "we've been monitoring" but not the other way around.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested