they have been observed vs they have observed

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'They have been observed' is passive voice, indicating that someone else has observed them. 'They have observed' is active voice, indicating that they themselves have done the observing.

Last updated: March 28, 2024 • 968 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in passive voice constructions.

"they have been observed"

This phrase is used in passive voice to indicate that someone else has observed 'them'. It emphasizes the action of being observed rather than the observer.

Examples:

They have been observed by the researchers during the experiment.
The animals have been observed in their natural habitat for years.

Show examples from the web [+]

Should these rules apply, the Commission will investigate whether they have been observed in the choice of advisor for the share transfer transaction mentioned by the Honourable Member.
They have been observed wearing hoods and directing offensive operations against Government forces in Mogadishu and neighbouring regions.
Should these rules apply, the Commission will investigate whether they have been observed in the choice of advisor for the share transfer transaction mentioned by the Honourable Member.
Please note: Species are considered as no longer present in the site e.g. if they have not been observed in the site for a long time.
The reason why they have not been observed, is that the abuses are carried out by armed groups, especially the political security branch of the security forces, which is responsible only to the President.
If so, which are they, and how have they been observed?
and to determine whether they have been fully and properly observed.
I have been observed by Americans before.
No incompatibilities have been observed between Zevalin and infusion sets.
Events associated with withdrawal syndrome have been observed outside the therapeutic range.
Occurrence of injection site hypertrophies has been observed, including lipohypertrophy.
Rebound hypertension has not been observed.
Habituation has not been observed during long-term treatment with doxazosin.
Mild electrocardiogram changes have been observed during administration of paclitaxel.
No osteosarcomas have been observed in clinical trials.
Decrease in levetiracetam plasma concentrations has been observed during pregnancy.
A positive Coombs test has also been observed.
Clinically significant hypotension has been observed postmarketing with concomitant use of risperidone and antihypertensive treatment.
No teratogenic effect has been observed in animal studies.
Increased eye pressure has been observed very commonly.

Alternatives:

They were observed
They have been seen
They have been noticed
They have been watched
They have been monitored

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in active voice constructions.

"they have observed"

This phrase is used in active voice to indicate that 'they' themselves have done the observing. It emphasizes the action of observing rather than being observed.

Examples:

They have observed the behavior of the birds in the park.
The students have observed the effects of climate change in their project.

Alternatives:

They observed
They have seen
They have noticed
They have watched
They have monitored

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they have been observed vs they have observed