close eye

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'close eye' is not correct in written English.
The phrase should be 'keep an eye' or 'watch closely'. For example, "You need to keep an eye on your investments to ensure you make a profit."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Close eye.

The New York Times - Magazine

Heavies keep a close eye on Hall.

Independent

"We'll keep a close eye on him".

The New York Times - Sports

He's watching and keeping a close eye.

The Guardian - Sport

We have to keep a close eye on it".

The New York Times - Science

–Keep a close eye on pricing.

Forbes

We're keeping a close eye on that.

TechCrunch

Keep a close eye on this one.

TechCrunch

* Keep a Close Eye on Liquid Assets.

Forbes

I’d keep a close eye on this.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Close eyes.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to convey careful monitoring or vigilance, prefer using the idiom "keep an eye on" or the phrase "watch closely". For example, instead of saying "Keep a "close eye" on the budget", say "Keep an eye on the budget".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "close eye" as it is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct form is "keep an eye on". Using "close eye" may confuse your reader, or sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close eye" functions as a noun phrase, often intended to convey the idea of careful observation or vigilance. However, it's crucial to note that the grammatically correct and idiomatic expression is "keep an eye on". Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

33%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "close eye" appears frequently in various sources, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct idiom is "keep an eye on" or use the phrase "watch closely". Ludwig AI flags "close eye" as incorrect and suggests using alternatives. When writing, especially in formal contexts, prioritize using the correct idiom to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy. Although commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it's essential to remember the grammatically correct alternatives, like "keep an eye on", "watch closely", or "observe carefully". By prioritizing grammatical correctness, you can ensure the message of being vigilant comes across flawlessly. Remember to "keep an eye on" best practices for effective communication!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep a watchful eye

Replaces "close" with "watchful", emphasizing vigilance.

monitor closely

Replaces the idiom with a more direct verb-adverb construction.

observe carefully

Similar to "monitor closely", but with a focus on detailed observation.

keep under surveillance

Implies a more formal or investigative type of monitoring.

pay close attention

Shifts the focus to mental focus and attentiveness rather than physical observation.

keep tabs on

An informal idiom that means to monitor someone or something.

watch like a hawk

Emphasizes intense and constant vigilance.

scrutinize

Implies a very detailed and critical form of observation.

supervise

Suggests overseeing and directing an activity or person.

oversee

Similar to "supervise", implying a broader scope of responsibility.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say "close eye"?

The idiom you're likely looking for is "keep an eye on", which means to watch something carefully. Another option is to use the verb "watch closely".

Is "close eye" grammatically correct?

No, "close eye" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct idiom is "keep an eye on" or you can use the phrase "watch closely".

Can I use "close eye" in formal writing?

It's best to avoid "close eye" in formal writing because it's grammatically incorrect. Use "keep a watchful eye" or "monitor closely" instead.

What are some alternatives to "close eye" that I can use?

Instead of "close eye", try using "keep an eye on", "watch closely", or "observe carefully" depending on the context.