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]
inspect
Example
The mechanic inspected the car before giving it back to the owner. [inspected: past tense]
Example
The health inspector came to inspect the restaurant for cleanliness and safety. [inspect: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Observe is more commonly used than inspect in everyday language. Observe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while inspect is more specific and often used in professional or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between observe and inspect?
Inspect is typically associated with a more formal or professional tone, while observe can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
