become watchful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become watchful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to be alert or attentive to their surroundings or a particular situation. Example: "As the storm approached, the residents were advised to become watchful for any signs of danger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I can only hope that we have become watchful of our darkest corners, and share a prayer for that beautiful baby boy meanwhile.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The dolphins often responded as if they were picturing their long-ago social pals, Bruck reports online today in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. For instance, two younger dolphins, Kai and D.J., became watchful and alert when they heard the whistles of Lucky and Hastings, two dominant males they had spent time with at the Brookfield Zoo.

Science Magazine

The characters become acutely watchful as war approaches.

The New York Times - Books

But while some law enforcement agencies, especially in California, have become increasingly watchful about the problem, the courts have lagged behind.

The New York Times

But his experiences before and during the second world war led him to become especially watchful against the easy complacency and reflex hatred that had guaranteed its worst atrocities.

The Guardian

By the time "an infinitely deflective Englishman" arrives, perhaps in Roxanne's place, who calls himself Escovil and purports to be a travel writer at a time when carefree travel is a thing of the past, Zannis has become more watchful.

The New York Times - Books

"How could anybody know if there's money in someone else's account?" Ever since the financial crisis, regulators have become more watchful about the types of fees banks can charge customers.

Los Angeles Times

Some were fearful that by increasing a relatives' role in monitoring symptoms they could potentially become overly watchful and misattribute normal emotions as early warning signs which could exacerbate matters.

BMC Psychiatry

Yet as Dakotah filled out her grandparents became very watchful.

The New Yorker

"People become a bit more watchful and wary.

The Guardian

It was because of her mother's wise decision that Nazneen lived to become the wide-faced, watchful girl that she was.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become watchful" when you want to emphasize a transition into a state of increased alertness or attentiveness. This phrase is particularly useful when describing a response to a change in circumstances or a potential threat.

Common error

Avoid using "become watchful" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "pay attention" or "keep an eye on" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become watchful" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of transition into a state of increased alertness or vigilance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It describes a shift in behavior or attitude, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become watchful" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies a transition into a state of heightened awareness or vigilance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, especially in news, scientific, and academic writing. Although the phrase is correct, consider using alternatives such as "become wary" or "become alert" to match the specific nuance of your context. When using "become watchful", be mindful of the slightly formal tone and avoid overuse in casual settings. The phrase is often seen in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, further confirming its credibility and widespread usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become wary

Implies a degree of caution and suspicion, not just general attentiveness.

become alert

Focuses on a state of readiness and quick response to potential threats or changes.

become vigilant

Suggests a more proactive and sustained effort to observe and guard against danger.

become observant

Highlights the act of paying close attention to details and noticing things.

become attentive

Focuses on paying careful attention to something or someone, often with a caring aspect.

become cautious

Emphasizes prudence and carefulness to avoid potential risks or problems.

become aware

Indicates gaining knowledge or realization of something.

become mindful

Highlights being conscious and present in the moment, paying attention to internal and external stimuli.

grow observant

Indicates a gradual increase in attentiveness and awareness.

turn vigilant

Suggests a transformation into a state of high alertness and readiness.

FAQs

How can I use "become watchful" in a sentence?

You can use "become watchful" to describe a change in someone's state of alertness. For example, "After the string of burglaries, the neighborhood residents "become wary" and decided to become watchful."

What are some alternatives to "become watchful"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "become alert", "become vigilant", or "pay attention" instead of "become watchful".

Is it better to say "become watchful" or "be watchful"?

"Become watchful" implies a transition into a state of alertness, whereas "be watchful" suggests a continuous state. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the change or the ongoing condition.

When should I use "become watchful" versus "start watching"?

"Become watchful" suggests a heightened state of awareness, implying more than just observing. "Start watching" simply means to begin observing something. Use "become watchful" when the situation warrants increased vigilance.