be highly vigilant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be highly vigilant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is advised to be alert and watchful, often in situations that require caution or awareness. Example: "In times of uncertainty, it is crucial to be highly vigilant about potential risks and threats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Central banks everywhere should be highly vigilant," Mr. Reynders said.

The New York Times

All visitors need to be highly vigilant, however, for the political violence and drugs-fuelled armed conflicts have allowed crime levels to rise.

The Guardian - Travel

That means security forces will be highly vigilant at "Fan Fest" zones, party areas for thousands of supporters hosted by FIFA.

The Economist

In contrast, business owners may be highly vigilant about professional managers' agent behaviors and try to control agency costs through various mechanisms of supervision and incentive.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We may hypothesize that physicians were highly vigilant and adapted antibiotic administration adequately in these patients.

Annals of Intensive Care

When the dog was present, test sheep stayed furthest from the group sheep, were highly vigilant and explored very little.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Unlike some companies, Microsoft is highly vigilant about piracy; though they're unlikely to pursue legal action against you, there's no way to be sure.

WikiHow

If they see that you are highly vigilant and walking with purpose, they will be less likely to attack you than if you're texting and not looking where you're going, or rocking out to your new favorite song on your iPod.

WikiHow

"You live in a dog-eat-dog world and it makes sense to be highly stressed and vigilant to cope with it, but vigilance doesn't breed kindness".

Independent

You live in a dog-eat-dog world and it makes sense to be highly stressed and vigilant to cope with it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have to be extremely vigilant".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be highly vigilant", ensure the context clearly indicates what potential threats or issues require careful attention. This provides readers with a clear understanding of why vigilance is necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "be highly vigilant" as a general warning without specifying the subject of concern. This can make your writing seem alarmist and unclear. Always provide specific reasons for heightened vigilance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be highly vigilant" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to maintain a state of heightened alertness and watchfulness. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, ranging from financial stability to personal safety.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be highly vigilant" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that advises a state of heightened alertness and watchfulness. Ludwig highlights its usage across varied contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and instructional domains. The phrase serves to warn or advise about potential risks, encouraging proactive attention. Though suitable for different registers, it typically assumes a neutral to professional tone. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is well-accepted and understood in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Exercise heightened caution

Emphasizes the act of practicing caution to a greater degree than usual.

Maintain strict vigilance

Focuses on the continuous and rigorous maintenance of a watchful state.

Remain extremely alert

Highlights the state of being keenly aware and responsive to one's surroundings.

Stay keenly observant

Stresses the importance of careful and perceptive observation.

Keep a sharp lookout

Suggests actively watching for potential dangers or opportunities.

Be exceedingly watchful

Emphasizes being very attentive and observant.

Be acutely aware

Highlights a heightened sense of consciousness and perception.

Pay close attention

Focuses on directing one's focus and concentration intently.

Be on high alert

Indicates a state of readiness and preparedness for potential threats.

Maintain careful surveillance

Highlights the act of monitoring something closely and systematically.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be highly vigilant"?

Alternatives include "exercise heightened caution", "remain extremely alert", or "stay keenly observant" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be highly vigilant"?

It's suitable when emphasizing the need for careful attention and awareness, especially in situations involving potential risks or threats. For example: "Central banks everywhere should "be highly vigilant"."

What does "be highly vigilant" mean?

It means to be extremely watchful and alert, paying close attention to potential dangers or problems.

Is "be highly vigilant" formal or informal?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but its tone often leans towards professional or neutral depending on the surrounding text and source. A similar term, like "exercise heightened caution", might be more formal.