be closely watched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be closely watched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something that is under careful observation or scrutiny. Example: "The new policy will be closely watched by both the public and the media to assess its impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These will be closely watched.

The Economist

They just need to be closely watched.

The New York Times

His performance will be closely watched.

Independent

Mr Vaxevanis's trial will be closely watched.

The Economist

The government's efforts will be closely watched.

The New York Times

How he handles Louisiana's money troubles will be closely watched.

The Economist

Mr. Gupta's sentencing will be closely watched in legal circles.

The New York Times

In fact, the meeting will be closely watched.

The New York Times

The expansion plans at Namoc will be closely watched.

The New York Times - Arts

What happens here may be closely watched elsewhere.

The New York Times

How they handle this role will be closely watched.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be closely watched" when you want to emphasize the importance of monitoring a situation or entity for potential changes or developments.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice. While "be closely watched" is grammatically correct, consider whether an active construction would be more direct and impactful, such as "observers will closely watch".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be closely watched" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of an action. As noted by Ludwig, it suggests that the subject is under careful observation or scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be closely watched" is a very common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that a subject is under careful observation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in news and media, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. While generally neutral in register, its formality can shift based on the surrounding text. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "be under scrutiny" or "be carefully monitored", tailoring the choice to the specific context and desired nuance. When employing this phrase, remain mindful of the potential for passive voice overuse and strive for active constructions when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be carefully monitored

Highlights continuous tracking and assessment, implying a more proactive approach.

be tracked closely

Focuses on the movement and progress of something, rather than its overall state.

be under scrutiny

Focuses on critical examination and potential fault-finding, rather than simple observation.

be followed attentively

Emphasizes the engagement and interest of the observer.

be keenly observed

Suggests a high level of interest and attentiveness in the observation.

be vigilantly observed

Emphasizes alertness and a focus on potential danger or problems.

be intensely scrutinized

Highlights rigorous and thorough examination, often with a critical purpose.

be kept under surveillance

Implies a more secretive and potentially intrusive form of monitoring.

warrant careful observation

Highlights the importance or necessity of close observation.

command close attention

Shifts the focus to the object being watched and its ability to attract observation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be closely watched" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "be under scrutiny" or "be carefully monitored", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is said to "be closely watched"?

It means that something is under careful observation, often because it is important, significant, or potentially problematic. It implies that developments will be noted and assessed.

Is it always necessary to use the passive voice when saying something needs observation?

No, you can use active voice to emphasize who is doing the watching. For example, instead of "the situation will be closely watched", you can say "analysts will closely watch the situation".

Which is a more intense phrase: "be closely watched" or "be under surveillance"?

"Be under surveillance" implies a more secretive and potentially intrusive form of monitoring, suggesting suspicion or a need for constant vigilance. "Be closely watched" is generally less intense and focuses on careful observation.