close watch

USAGE SUMMARY

'close watch' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Example sentence: "The police kept a close watch on the suspect's activities throughout the investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I keep close watch on myself.

The New York Times - Health

From Elba Napoleon kept a close watch on the Continent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We don't keep a close watch on them".

The New York Times

A police cruiser kept them under close watch.

The New York Times

Secret police kept a close watch over internal goings-on.

Independent

Simms also keeps a close watch on time.

The New York Times - Sports

Finally, keep a close watch on who adjusts the thermostat.

The New Yorker

The Sasquanaug Association keeps close watch over such details.

The New York Times

Which is why she keeps a close watch.

The New York Times

Still, corporate clients keep a close watch on the results.

The New York Times

Ms. Colbrun said the agency was keeping a close watch on 3-D printers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close watch" when you want to emphasize careful and continuous monitoring of something or someone. For example, "Keep a "close watch" on the stock market during volatile periods."

Common error

Avoid using "close watch" when a casual glance or infrequent check is sufficient. The phrase implies a sustained and focused attention. Using "glance at" or "check occasionally" is more appropriate for less intensive observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close watch" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb like 'keep', 'maintain', or 'place under'. It signifies the act of carefully observing or monitoring something, as evidenced by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close watch" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote careful and continuous monitoring. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Predominantly found in news and media, formal business, and wiki contexts, this phrase effectively conveys the need for vigilance and the potential for timely intervention. When using "close watch", remember to reserve it for situations that genuinely require sustained attention and choose alternatives like "careful observation" or "vigilant monitoring" when a more casual observation is sufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

careful observation

Emphasizes the attentiveness and detail involved in the act of watching.

vigilant monitoring

Highlights the proactive and alert nature of the monitoring.

attentive surveillance

Focuses on the consistent and observant aspect of keeping watch.

diligent supervision

Implies a responsible and meticulous oversight.

constant scrutiny

Stresses the thorough and unwavering nature of the watch.

keen observation

Highlights the sharpness and insightfulness of the observation.

strict oversight

Emphasizes the enforcement and control aspect of the supervision.

detailed inspection

Focuses on the in-depth and thorough examination.

careful supervision

Emphasizes a cautious and responsible oversight.

watchful eye

Offers a more figurative and protective sense of observation.

FAQs

How can I use "close watch" in a sentence?

You can use "close watch" to indicate careful and continuous monitoring. For example, "The doctor kept a "close watch" on the patient's condition after the surgery."

What can I say instead of "close watch"?

You can use alternatives like "careful observation", "vigilant monitoring", or "attentive surveillance", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "close watch" or "closest watch"?

"Close watch" is the more common and idiomatic expression. While "closest watch" might be grammatically understandable, it's not the preferred way to express careful monitoring. Stick with "close watch" for clarity and naturalness.

What's the difference between "close watch" and "close attention"?

"Close watch" implies visual monitoring or surveillance, while "close attention" suggests mental focus and concentration. You keep a "close watch" on a situation, but you pay "close attention" to details.