Keep an eye on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Keep an eye on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to monitor or pay attention to something or someone. Example: "Please keep an eye on the children while they play in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Keep an eye on him.

The New York Times - Arts

Keep an eye on Foxcatcher.

The Guardian - Film

Keep an eye on Florida.

The New York Times

Keep an eye on this guy.

The New York Times - Arts

Keep an eye on those puppies.

The New York Times

Keep an eye on your thermostat.

The New Yorker

"Keep an eye on him for me".

The New Yorker

Keep an eye on HiTV.

Forbes

Keep an eye on that.

BBC

Keep an eye on this stock.

Forbes

Keep an eye on the gold price.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Keep an eye on" to advise caution, follow it with a specific object or situation. For example, "Keep an eye on the road" is clearer than just "Keep an eye on."

Common error

Avoid using "Keep an eye on" when a high degree of intervention is required. Phrases like "manage" or "control" are more appropriate when more than just casual observation is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Keep an eye on" functions as an imperative, urging someone to watch or monitor something carefully. Ludwig examples show this phrase used in diverse contexts, from watching people to monitoring situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

54%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Keep an eye on" is a versatile phrase used to instruct someone to watch or monitor something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and its prevalence across various sources indicates its widespread acceptance. The phrase is primarily found in "Wiki" and "News & Media" sources. For alternatives, consider options like "monitor" or "observe" to convey similar meanings with slight differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Monitor

This is a direct synonym, implying systematic observation.

Observe

Focuses on watching something carefully.

Watch over

Emphasizes protection while watching.

Supervise

Suggests authority and control while observing.

Be vigilant

Highlights the need for alertness while watching.

Pay attention to

Focuses on directing focus and awareness.

Keep under surveillance

Implies a more formal or secretive monitoring.

Be on the lookout for

Suggests actively searching for something specific while watching.

Stay aware of

Emphasizes maintaining consciousness of something.

Mind

Informal term for taking care of something.

FAQs

How can I use "Keep an eye on" in a sentence?

You can use "Keep an eye on" to ask someone to watch something or someone, like "Please "keep an eye on the baby" while I'm in the kitchen".

What's a more formal way to say "Keep an eye on"?

For a more formal tone, you might use phrases like "monitor" or "supervise". For example, instead of "Keep an eye on the experiment", you could say "monitor the experiment closely".

Is "Keep an eye out" the same as "Keep an eye on"?

No, "Keep an eye out" means to be alert and watch for something specific to appear, while "Keep an eye on" means to observe something continuously.

Can I use "Keep an eye on" when referring to inanimate objects?

Yes, you can use "Keep an eye on" for inanimate objects, especially when you need to monitor their status or condition. For example, "Keep an eye on the oven" means to watch it to prevent burning.