What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spotter
Example
The birdwatcher used his binoculars to spot the rare bird. [spot: verb]
Example
The storm chaser acted as a spotter for the tornado, relaying information to the news station. [spotter: noun]
observer
Example
The scientist acted as an observer during the experiment, taking detailed notes. [observe: verb]
Example
The eyewitness was called to testify as an observer of the crime. [observer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Observer is more commonly used than spotter in everyday language. Observer is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while spotter is less common and often used in specific fields or situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spotter and observer?
Both spotter and observer can be used in formal and informal contexts, but observer may be slightly more formal due to its wider range of uses and associations with research and analysis.
