be watchful for

USAGE SUMMARY

'be watchful for' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used as a warning for something to pay attention to or keep an eye out for. For example, "Be watchful for any suspicious activity around the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"My responsibility is to be watchful for the public's most treasured piece of land," he said.

The New York Times

But you also expect there will be people who will be watchful for the other side".

The New York Times

"Please be watchful for the Man, babe," Hemingway said, warning him to look out for cops, though she did not seem all that bothered by the speed.

The New York Times - Magazine

The student's pediatrician, parents and teachers should communicate about the incident, the recommendations said, and be watchful for when academic tasks aggravate symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and difficulty concentrating.

The New York Times

"You need to be watchful for those first cases that don't fit any established pattern," said Dr. Morse, of Columbia, "because they may tell you that there is another pattern that you need to be looking for".

The New York Times

While the coalition supports including students whose education, in the past, often ended with high school, members say Congress must be watchful, for the students and for the taxpayers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The committee added it was "watchful" for signs low inflation might be creating a damaging deflationary wage spiral.

Independent

(His father had a good word for affectation – "splother" – and Bennett has always been watchful for signs of it).

The Guardian

I check their pupils for dilation and I'm watchful for warning signs such as light aversion and hydrophobia.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Presumably the theory hope is that he'll do something rash, but he's watchful for the first three balls.

The Guardian - Sport

If examiners are watchful for threats to an institution's reputation, she said, other risks posed to investors, creditors, trading partners and taxpayers may come to light.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be watchful for", clearly specify what the subject should be looking for to provide concrete direction.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "be watchful for" can sometimes sound less formal than alternatives like "remain vigilant" in professional or academic writing. Choose alternatives based on the intended tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be watchful for" functions as an imperative expression, typically used to advise or instruct someone to pay close attention to specific details or potential issues. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

24%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be watchful for" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to advise vigilance and alertness. Ludwig AI identifies it as a correct and usable phrase. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, though more formal settings may require alternatives like "remain vigilant". It is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki content. To use it effectively, clearly specify what should be watched for. Remember, while versatile, context dictates the best choice of words to convey the intended message accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be alert to

Focuses more on immediate readiness and quick response.

be vigilant about

Emphasizes sustained and careful observation over time.

keep an eye out for

More informal and suggests a casual form of observation.

be on the lookout for

Similar to 'keep an eye out', but may imply a more active search.

be aware of

Broader term, indicating general knowledge and consciousness rather than specific watching.

pay attention to

Highlights the act of focusing one's mental efforts on something.

be mindful of

Suggests considering something carefully and thoughtfully.

watch out for

Implies a sense of danger or potential harm.

monitor for

Suggests a systematic and ongoing process of observation.

observe for

Implies a more detached and scientific approach to watching.

FAQs

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

You can use "be watchful for" to advise someone to pay close attention to something, for example, "Be watchful for any signs of a potential scam."

What is a more formal alternative to "be watchful for"?

More formal alternatives to "be watchful for" include phrases like /s/remain+vigilant or /s/exercise+caution depending on the context.

What does "be watchful for" imply?

"Be watchful for" implies a state of alert and readiness to notice something specific, often something that might be problematic or require attention.

Is there a difference between "be watchful for" and "watch out for"?

While similar, "be watchful for" is generally used for less immediate threats or concerns compared to "watch out for", which implies a more imminent danger. For example, you'd "be watchful for" /s/early+signs+of+the+disease, but "watch out for" the /s/falling+rocks.