keep a close watch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep a close watch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to monitor a situation or person carefully. Example: "During the storm, we need to keep a close watch on the rising water levels to ensure everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

In addition, they keep a close watch on the situation in their specific location.

Stanford University

Washington and other states will need to keep a close watch.

The New York Times

The tight-knit world of central banking will keep a close watch on Scandinavia.

The Economist

China said it would keep a "close watch" on the meeting.

The Guardian

Analysts said Coca-Cola would have to keep a close watch on negative events.

The New York Times

Change might not happen overnight, so we need to keep a close watch".

The Guardian

They keep a close watch on the earth for people in need of caring.

The New York Times

Anyone saving diligently in a pension should keep a close watch on where policy is heading.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "keep a close watch", be specific about what they should be watching for. For example: "Keep a close watch on the temperature gauge to prevent overheating."

Common error

While "keep a close watch" is acceptable in many situations, overuse in formal writing can make the tone less professional. Consider using alternatives like "monitor closely" or "observe attentively" in formal reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep a close watch" functions primarily as a directive or instruction. It advises someone to be vigilant and observant, ensuring they are aware of any changes or potential issues. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, it’s used across a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

14%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep a close watch" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to advise careful monitoring of a person, place, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, but also in academic and informal settings. While the phrase is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives such as "monitor closely" in professional or academic writing. The phrase encourages vigilance and proactive attention to detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain a close watch

Replaces "keep" with "maintain", emphasizing continuous observation.

keep a careful eye

Substitutes "watch" with "eye" and "close" with "careful" maintaining the same core meaning with a slight variation in idiom.

monitor closely

Uses "monitor" instead of "keep a watch", offering a more concise and direct alternative.

observe attentively

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal and emphatic expression of careful observation.

stay vigilant

Offers a more concise alternative, focusing on the state of alertness and readiness.

exercise vigilance

Replaces "keep a close watch" with a more formal instruction to be vigilant.

pay close attention

Shifts focus to the act of paying attention, emphasizing mental focus rather than physical observation.

be on the lookout

Suggests a proactive stance of actively searching for something specific.

supervise carefully

Implies a role of authority and responsibility in overseeing a situation or person.

scrutinize closely

Suggests a detailed and critical examination, more intense than a general watch.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep a close watch" to advise someone to monitor a situation or person carefully. For example, "During the experiment, we need to keep a close watch on the reactions".

What are some alternatives to "keep a close watch"?

You can use alternatives like "maintain a close watch", "monitor closely", or "pay close attention" depending on the context.

Is "keep a close watch on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keep a close watch on" is grammatically correct. The "on" specifies what or whom is being watched. For example, "Keep a close watch on the children while they are playing".

When is it appropriate to use "keep a close watch" versus "monitor closely"?

"Keep a close watch" is suitable for general contexts where careful observation is needed. "Monitor closely" is more appropriate in formal or technical contexts where systematic observation and recording are required.