What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
observe
Example
The scientist observed the behavior of the animals in their natural habitat. [observe: verb]
Example
I observed that the flowers in the garden were starting to bloom. [observed: past tense]
watch
Example
I like to watch the sunset from my balcony. [watch: verb]
Example
The security guard watched the surveillance footage for any suspicious activity. [watched: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Watch is more commonly used than observe in everyday language. Watch is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while observe is less common and often used in more formal or technical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between observe and watch?
Observe is typically associated with a more formal and serious tone, while watch can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile in terms of formality level.
