What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
observed
Example
The scientist observed the behavior of the animals in their natural habitat. [observed: verb]
Example
I observed a strange bird in my backyard this morning. [observed: past tense]
spotted
Example
I spotted my old friend from high school at the grocery store. [spotted: past tense]
Example
The leopard has a beautifully spotted coat. [spotted: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Observed is more commonly used than spotted in formal or academic contexts, while spotted is more commonly used in informal or everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between observed and spotted?
Observed is generally considered more formal than spotted, which is often used in casual or colloquial speech.
