we were observed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were observed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something has been seen or monitored by another party. Example: "During the experiment, we were observed by a team of researchers who were taking notes on our behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The authors used cultured cells transfected with human Insig-1 and Insig-2 and herpes simplex virus Srebp2; here we were observed a similar phenomenon in vivo.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were observing the wrong phenomenon".

The New York Times - Magazine

Intelligence will later suggest they'd been tipped off that we were observing them.

Vice

The only issue was that we were observing it on the coffee shop owner's computer.

Vice

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

Vice

We are all observers but we're observing something.

Yale University

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

Huffington Post

"We're observing this and are wondering. . .

The Washington 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

Right now, we are observing developments in Syria.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "We were observed" is suitable for formal reports, scientific studies, or news articles where objectivity is important.

Common error

Avoid using "we observed" when you mean "we were observed". The active voice suggests that you were the observer, not the subject of observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were observed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject ("we") received the action of being observed. Ludwig examples show this in scientific contexts and news reports.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were observed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates a passive experience of being watched or monitored. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, academic and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. To ensure correct usage, it's important to avoid confusing it with the active voice "we observed", and to consider the specific type of observation when choosing synonyms like "we were monitored" or "we were scrutinized".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were watched

Simple synonym, replacing "observed" with "watched" for a more direct meaning.

we were monitored

"Monitored" suggests a more systematic and regular observation.

we were under surveillance

Implies a closer, often secretive, form of observation, often for security or investigative purposes.

we were being scrutinized

"Scrutinized" indicates a very careful and critical observation.

we were inspected

"Inspected" implies a formal examination or assessment.

we were surveyed

"Surveyed" suggests being observed as part of a broader data collection effort.

we were detected

"Detected" indicates observation through technical means or specialized equipment.

we were noted

"Noted" implies that we were simply noticed or remarked upon.

we were spotted

"Spotted" suggests a quick or incidental observation.

our actions were noted

The focus is shifted to the actions of the subject being observed.

FAQs

What does "we were observed" mean?

The phrase "we were observed" means that someone or something watched or monitored us. It indicates that we were the subject of observation, rather than the ones doing the observing.

What's the difference between "we observed" and "we were observed"?

"We observed" indicates that we did the observing, whereas "we were observed" means that someone else watched us. The difference is in who is performing the action of observing.

Is "we were observed by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we were observed by" is grammatically correct. It clarifies who did the observing. For example, "We were observed by a team of scientists" specifies who was watching us.

What are some alternatives to "we were observed"?

You can use alternatives like "we were watched", "we were monitored", or "we were under surveillance" depending on the specific context.