diff --git a/traits/observation/_observer_change_notifier.py b/traits/observation/_observer_change_notifier.py
index 329cd9ff1..5fedf4e33 100644
--- a/traits/observation/_observer_change_notifier.py
+++ b/traits/observation/_observer_change_notifier.py
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ def __call__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         )
 
     def equals(self, other):
-        """ Return true if the other value is a notifier equivalent to this one.
+        """ Return true if other is a notifier equivalent to this one.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
diff --git a/traits/observation/exception_handling.py b/traits/observation/exception_handling.py
index 3e28b89cf..0bc197874 100644
--- a/traits/observation/exception_handling.py
+++ b/traits/observation/exception_handling.py
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ def pop_exception_handler(self):
         return self.handlers.pop()
 
     def handle_exception(self, event):
-        """ Handles a traits notification exception using the handler last pushed.
+        """ Handle a notification exception using the handler last pushed.
 
         Parameters
         ----------