should have been observed vs should have observed

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Should have been observed' is passive voice and is used when emphasizing the action being observed by someone else. 'Should have observed' is active voice and is used when emphasizing the responsibility of the subject to do the observing.

Last updated: March 22, 2024

should have been observed

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal or academic writing.

This phrase is used in passive voice to emphasize that someone should have been the object of observation by someone else. It is often used in formal or academic contexts.

Examples:

The protocol should have been observed at all times.
The rules should have been observed during the experiment.
Safety precautions should have been observed before starting the procedure.

Alternatives:

should have been noticed
should have been followed
should have been adhered to
should have been respected
should have been obeyed

should have observed

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in everyday language.

This phrase is used in active voice to emphasize that someone should have personally done the observing. It is often used in everyday language.

Examples:

You should have observed the signs of fatigue in your team.
He should have observed the behavior of the animals more closely.
The teacher should have observed the students during the test.

Show examples from the web [+]

Karel will admit he should have observed the rules.
In our opinion to the European Parliament's Fisheries Committee of September 2005, we clearly said that the Commission should have observed the "integrated framework for fisheries partnership agreements with third countries".
The lowest concentration tested should have no observed effect on the growth of the algae.
Each dose should have an observed potency of 6 PD50 in cattle, when tested according to the European Pharmacopoeia.
You have observed his attentions and received them properly...
I have observed some underlying issues that need to be addressed.
It must have observed us following.
I have observed this woman for much of her life.
Both characteristics you have observed from the start, Louis.
By contrast, Germany and Austria have observed persistently negative inflation differentials.
Several Members of the Swedish Council on Legislation (Lagråd) have observed that the FRA law might violate the European Convention.
Various speakers have observed that it would be statutorily impossible to change the 70/30 proportion to 50/50.
In this respect I have observed a significant consensus in all the interventions.
I have observed that for myself in shops in Brussels.
We have observed serious shortcomings, particularly with regard to the protection of unaccompanied minors.
Recently we have observed a continuous increase in market demands for milk.
And if you'll have observed anything, you'll have observed that Frank Burns is an idiot.
On multiple occasions, I have observed my supervisor monitoring his ex-wife's calls and e-mails.
Likewise, I have observed that the clarification we offered regarding the two pillars of our monetary policy was extremely useful.
It's inherent to the process that at some point, we will have observed enough of the four stages.

Alternatives:

should have noticed
should have seen
should have paid attention to
should have watched out for
should have kept an eye on

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should have been observed vs should have observed