What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
observe
Example
I like to observe the stars at night. [observe: verb]
Example
The scientist observed the behavior of the animals in their natural habitat. [observed: past tense]
examine
Example
The doctor will examine your throat to see if you have strep. [examine: verb]
Example
The detective examined the evidence carefully to solve the crime. [examined: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Observe is more commonly used than examine in everyday language. Observe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while examine is more technical and often used in scientific or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between observe and examine?
Examine is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone, while observe is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
