be more watchful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be more watchful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise someone to pay closer attention or to be more alert in a given situation. Example: "In order to avoid accidents, it's important to be more watchful while driving in heavy traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Even so, he said American and allied troops had to be "more watchful".

The New York Times

Several doctors and health care lawyers said Mrs. Smart's death in 1997 should have caused administrators to be more watchful.

The New York Times

Mr. Arnold said that he then called a meeting to alert the staff to be more watchful of the pair, but that they never returned.

The New York Times

Although Wells is the group's founder and artistic director as well as its conductor, his role in rehearsals tends to be more watchful than controlling.

The New Yorker

Lebanon's prime minister, Tammam Salam, said: "We condemn this cowardly criminal act that can never be justified, and we call on the Lebanese to be more watchful and united against strife".

The Guardian

"We call on the Lebanese to be more watchful and united against strife".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I'm more dedicated to my art now and I'm more watchful.

The Guardian

Republicans, of course, are more watchful of Virginia and New Jersey than they let on.

The New York Times

I cannot think of any poet who is more watchful or with a greater sense of gravity.

The Guardian - Books

He follows with a couple more exploiting the same angle but Rutherford, once almost bitten, is more watchful and lets them go past.

The Guardian - Sport

And while they were more watchful in their opening six here – 40 runs were scored and only four boundaries – they chipped away at the target in a purposeful manner.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be more watchful", clearly specify the object or situation requiring increased attention to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "be more watchful of your surroundings" is more effective than simply "be more watchful".

Common error

Avoid using "be more watchful" in overly passive constructions that obscure agency. Instead of "mistakes should be more watchfully avoided", try "watch more carefully for mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more watchful" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to adopt a state of heightened awareness or attentiveness. It's a call to action, prompting increased vigilance in a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be more watchful" serves as a directive to increase vigilance and attentiveness. Grammatically sound and primarily used in neutral contexts like news and media, science, and general advice, it urges heightened awareness to prevent potential issues. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and provides diverse examples of its application. Related phrases include "be more vigilant" and "pay closer attention", offering alternative ways to express the same concept. To use it effectively, clearly specify the object of your watchfulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be more vigilant

Emphasizes a higher degree of alertness and readiness to detect potential danger.

be more observant

Focuses on paying closer attention to details and noticing subtle cues.

be more attentive

Highlights the act of giving careful consideration or attention to something or someone.

exercise greater caution

Stresses the act of taking precautions and minimizing risks.

be more careful

Implies a need for increased prudence and diligence in actions.

keep a closer watch

Suggests maintaining constant surveillance or monitoring.

pay closer attention

Directs focus towards being more heedful and observant.

be more alert

Stresses a state of readiness and quick responsiveness.

be more circumspect

Highlights the need for careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

be more on guard

Implies a state of being prepared for potential threats or surprises.

FAQs

How can I use "be more watchful" in a sentence?

You can use "be more watchful" to advise someone to pay closer attention or be more alert in a given situation. For example, "We need to "be more watchful" of potential scams online."

What are some alternatives to "be more watchful"?

Alternatives to "be more watchful" include "be more vigilant", "be more observant", or "pay closer attention". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "be more watchful" and "be more careful"?

"Be more watchful" emphasizes alertness and observation, while "be more careful" focuses on prudence and diligence in actions. "Be more watchful" suggests looking out for potential issues, whereas "be more careful" advises acting with caution.

Is "be more watchful" formal or informal?

"Be more watchful" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, alternatives like "exercise greater vigilance" might be preferred.