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Prepositions with nouns

Observation with prepositions

Observation often combines with of to show what is watched or studied. Other prepositions may describe method, source, or topic.

Quick answer

Which prepositions go with observation?

Observation of is the standard pattern for describing what is observed. By observation can describe a method. On observation appears in formal contexts meaning after observing. Observation for is uncommon except when showing purpose.

The observation of birds requires patience.
Scientists confirmed the result by observation.
The error became clear on observation of the data.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
observation of + thing

Showing what is observed

Observation of introduces the person, thing, or process being watched or studied.

Careful observation of the patients improved the diagnosis.
2
by observation

Showing method

By observation means through watching or examining directly.

The species was identified by observation alone.
3
on observation

Showing result after observing

On observation is formal and means after examining something.

The pattern changed on observation under stronger light.
4
observation from + source

Showing source of information

From introduces the source or origin of the observation.

The report includes observations from local teachers.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
observation of
Her observation of animal behaviour was detailed.
shows what is being observed
observation for
The room was equipped for observation for research purposes.
for usually expresses purpose, not a fixed noun pattern
by observation
Doctors detected the problem by observation.
through watching or examining
on observation
On observation, the surface appeared damaged.
after examining carefully

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using observation for as the main pattern

Observation of is usually the natural choice for the thing being studied.

✕ Their observation for the stars lasted hours. ✓ Their observation of the stars lasted hours.

Confusing by observation and observation of

One describes method and the other describes the object observed.

✕ They identified the bird observation of. ✓ They identified the bird by observation.

Using on observation in casual speech

This phrase is formal and less common in conversation.

✓ After observation, the doctor changed the treatment.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The observation ___ the experiment lasted two weeks.
2. The condition was diagnosed ___ observation.
3. ___ observation, the engineer found a crack.

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Frequently asked questions

What does observation of mean?

It identifies the thing or person being watched or studied.

Is on observation common?

It is mainly used in formal or technical writing.

Can I use observation for?

Only in specific contexts of purpose, such as equipment for observation.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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