I keep tabs on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I keep tabs on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to monitoring or tracking someone's activities or progress over time. Example: "I keep tabs on my investments to ensure they are performing well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I can even see my house – I keep tabs on it.'.

BBC

I keep tabs on the music industry mostly because they tend to be a harbinger for other kinds of entertainment (not least because the music industry released all their wares in a non-DRMed electronic format, also known as the CD, before they quite realized what they had done).

TechCrunch

I keep tabs on the music industry mostly because they tend to be a harbinger for other kinds of entertainment (not least because the music industry released all their wares in a non-DRMed electronic format, also known as the CD, before they quite realized what they had done). What happens to music will happen to books, and then video games, and then TV/movies.

TechCrunch

Here's how I keep tabs on my own "reputation ratings".

Huffington Post

"One of the places I keep tabs on is Reddit.

Vice

As a registered geriatrician I keep tabs on the tools of my trade particularly its language.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I kept tabs on the people that visited, and noted every little comment," he said.

The New York Times - Food

That project ended up not happening, but I kept tabs on him, and when I saw the first news about "The Canyons," I e-mailed him and said that if I was going to do the piece, I'd need nearly complete access.

The New York Times

I kept tabs on everyone and had an opinion on every action they took.

Forbes

"I kept tabs on him throughout the season and he has obviously gone out and had a strong period on loan at Carlisle".

BBC

I kept tabs on him as he played baseball but we didn't talk all that often.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I keep tabs on" to convey that you are actively monitoring or tracking something important. This suggests a proactive and attentive approach.

Common error

Avoid using "I keep tabs on" in highly formal or academic writing. While generally acceptable, it leans toward informal. Alternatives like "I monitor" or "I track" are more appropriate in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I keep tabs on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of monitoring or tracking something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, as demonstrated through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I keep tabs on" is a useful expression for conveying active monitoring or tracking of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context, avoiding its use in highly formal writing where alternatives like "I monitor" or "I track" may be more appropriate. It appears more frequently in News & Media and academic settings. Ultimately, understanding the nuances and context is key to effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I monitor

This alternative offers a more direct and concise way to express the act of keeping track.

I track

This is another straightforward alternative, implying a focused observation of movement or progress.

I keep an eye on

This suggests a watchful approach, often implying concern or responsibility.

I follow

This suggests keeping up with something's developments or activities.

I observe

This indicates a more formal and detached manner of watching.

I watch over

This phrase conveys a sense of protection or care while monitoring.

I oversee

Suggests a supervisory role in monitoring.

I supervise

Implies a more direct and authoritative role in monitoring.

I am aware of

This indicates a general knowledge and attentiveness without necessarily actively monitoring.

I am mindful of

This expresses a consciousness and consideration of something.

FAQs

What does "I keep tabs on" mean?

The phrase "I keep tabs on" means to monitor or track something closely, usually to stay informed about its progress or status.

What can I say instead of "I keep tabs on"?

You can use alternatives like "I monitor", "I track", or "I keep an eye on", depending on the context.

Is "I keep tabs on" formal or informal?

"I keep tabs on" is generally considered informal to neutral. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "I monitor" or "I oversee".

How do you use "I keep tabs on" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe monitoring anything from personal finances to political developments. For example, "I keep tabs on my investments to ensure they are performing well".