we are observed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are observed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that someone or something is watching or monitoring a group of people. Example: "In this experiment, we are observed by a team of researchers who are taking notes on our behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Under the present arrangement, we are observed in a haphazard and unscientific way by superiors who may well have made their minds up about us already, based on not much evidence at all.

BBC

"We are observed and judged every day, and the fashion industry lavishes beauty ideals and criticism on us.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The observer effect means that whatever we are observing is always shaped by how we choose to observe it.

Huffington Post

"This is what we are observing in China today.

The New York Times

"We are observing the festival in a truly Orthodox style.

The New York Times

We are observing that recent droughts are likely to worst on record.

The Guardian

"We are observing it," says Hussain, "as in, we're watching it go by without participating".

The Guardian

Before Omar unsettles everything, we are observing a faded photograph and a weary routine.

The New York Times - Books

Using their historical data, the creators of these securities did not envisage the numbers of bankruptcies we are observing today.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is an example of a general trend we are observing where water is warming further north and making this region more suitable for southerly species," Gradinger said.

The Guardian

Mario Draghi, who took over as ECB president only this week, admitted: "What we are observing now is slow growth, heading towards a mild recession by year's end".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating the observer is known and important, specify it with a “by” phrase: “We are observed by the project supervisor throughout the experiment.”

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "we are observed" (passive voice, indicating that we are the object of observation) with "we are observing" (active voice, indicating that we are the ones doing the observing). For example, instead of saying "We are observed the experiment", say "We are observing the experiment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are observed" functions as a statement indicating that a group is being watched or monitored. This phrase employs the passive voice, shifting focus from the observer to the observed, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are observed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression indicating that a group of people is being watched or monitored. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from reliable sources. While "we are being watched" is a close synonym, "we are observed" carries a slightly more formal tone. When writing, be aware of the difference between this passive construction and the active "we are observing". This expression is commonly found in news, media and scientific contexts, making it a versatile addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are being watched

Focuses on the act of watching, using the continuous tense.

we are under surveillance

Implies a more systematic and potentially intrusive form of observation.

we are monitored

Suggests regular and ongoing observation, often for a specific purpose.

we are scrutinized

Emphasizes close and critical observation.

we are being assessed

Highlights that the observation is part of an evaluation process.

we are subject to observation

Formal way to express that observation is a condition or requirement.

we are kept under observation

Highlights the continuous nature of the observation.

our actions are noted

Shifts the focus to the recording of actions, rather than direct observation.

we are in the spotlight

Implies public attention and observation.

we are under inspection

Indicates a formal review or examination.

FAQs

What does "we are observed" mean?

The phrase "we are observed" means that a group of people is being watched or monitored. It doesn't always specify who is doing the observing.

What's the difference between "we are observed" and "we are observing"?

"We are observed" is in the passive voice, meaning someone is watching us. "We are observing" is active, meaning "we are watching" something or someone.

What can I say instead of "we are observed"?

You can use alternatives such as "we are being watched", "we are monitored", or "we are under surveillance" depending on the context.

Is "we are observed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we are observed" is grammatically correct. It's the passive form of the verb "to observe", indicating that "we" are the recipients of the action.