widely observe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widely observe" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express that something is being observed by many people or in various places, but it is not a standard collocation. Example: "The phenomenon of climate change is widely observed across different regions of the world."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But another number is perhaps more telling: doctors widely observe that 40 to 50 percent of men who are given a first prescription do not end up refilling it.

The New York Times

In July 2012, the author conducted 31 in-depth interviews in Guangzhou and visited various places in the local residential environment to widely observe, listen, and chat with Guangzhou citizens in order to understand the main variables that affect the intergenerational family relations.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The two Conventions, it was widely observed, were essentially television programs.

The New Yorker

But many immigrants say this provision has been poorly publicized and is not widely observed.

The New York Times

A crowd at the hospital showed no mercy after the shooting, which was widely observed.

The New York Times

The most widely observed holiday is Christmas, first celebrated in the 4th century.

The New Yorker

A  four-hour strike was widely observed in Italy.

Independent

A ceasefire, if widely observed, should help do just that.

The Economist

Under guidelines issued by the National Academy of Sciences, which are voluntary but widely observed, donors may not be paid anything beyond expenses.

The New York Times - Science

This epigenetic mechanism has been widely observed in the development of complex organisms, and can even be found in bacteria.

The New York Times

Extreme weather has been widely observed: continuous droughts in the north and frequent floods in the south.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widely observe", ensure the context clearly indicates that the observation is prevalent across a significant scope or among numerous individuals. Consider alternatives like "commonly observed" for a more natural phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "widely observe" excessively in formal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound less polished than alternatives like "commonly observed" or "generally recognized". Opt for the most precise and natural-sounding option for your specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely observe" functions as a verb phrase, where "widely" modifies the verb "observe". It indicates that an observation is prevalent or common. Ludwig highlights examples where doctors "widely observe" patient behavior, showcasing its use in describing common occurrences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widely observe" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something is commonly seen or noticed. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it's not the most common phrasing and might sound slightly awkward. Alternatives like "commonly observed" or "generally recognized" may be more appropriate depending on the context. The phrase tends to appear in neutral to formal registers, particularly in science and news media. Therefore, while acceptable, careful consideration should be given to choosing the most natural and precise phrasing for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly observe

Replaces "widely" with "commonly", a more conventional way to express frequency of observation.

generally observe

Uses "generally" instead of "widely", suggesting a broad but not necessarily universal observation.

frequently observe

Emphasizes the high frequency of the observation.

observe in many cases

Highlights the observation's occurrence across numerous instances.

notice extensively

Shifts focus to the act of noticing, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the observation.

broadly note

Substitutes "observe" with "note", indicating a more passive form of recognition.

witness across various instances

Emphasizes the act of witnessing and the diversity of situations.

widely recognize

Changes "observe" to "recognize", highlighting acknowledgment rather than direct observation.

it is a common sight

Expresses the idea by describing something being a common sight

routinely see

Replaces "observe" with a more commonplace verb 'see', suggesting a habitual occurrence

FAQs

What does "widely observe" mean?

"Widely observe" means that something is seen or noticed by many people or in many places. However, it's not as commonly used as phrases like "commonly observed".

Is "widely observe" grammatically correct?

Yes, "widely observe" is grammatically correct, but it might sound slightly awkward to some native English speakers. Using phrases like "commonly observed" or "generally recognized" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "widely observe"?

Alternatives include "commonly observe", "generally observe", "frequently observe", or "widely recognized", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "widely observe" in a sentence?

You can use "widely observe" to describe a phenomenon that is frequently seen or noticed. For example: "Doctors "widely observe" that many patients don't refill their initial prescriptions."