keep a close watch for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep a close watch for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to be vigilant or attentive to something specific that may occur or be present. Example: "As we approach the storm season, it's important to keep a close watch for any weather alerts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We'll keep a close watch for any trends," said Professor Donald R. Sadoway, who is teaching the class this term.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Here's to next Halloween – and in the meantime, keep a close watch for things that go bump in the night ….

The Guardian

You are of course welcome to contact us again directly and do keep a close watch for news on the SSF Guidelines at http://www.fao.org/fishery/ssf/guidelines/en!

FAO

It is still a good measure to keep a close watch for emergency signs, especially vomiting, sluggish speech, or disorientation.

WikiHow

Keep a close watch for traffic behind you and traffic in the adjacent lane and move into position for the turn.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Using intelligence from American military spy satellites, the Japanese Coast Guard keeps a close watch for North Korean spy boats that approach Japanese territorial waters.

The New York Times

'We have kept a close watch for cerebral concussion occurring as direct impact of blast wave on humans', Zuckerman wrote, 'but so far our Casualty survey failed to disclose an instance.' It is clear, he concluded, 'that the damage is simply a bruising of lung tissue due to the impact of the pressure wave on the chest wall' (Zuckerman to Adrian, 1941).

History of the Human Sciences

The smart move now is to implement it and keep a close watch out for consequences, both intended and otherwise.

The New York Times

He wouldn't be freed for 11 months, whereupon he was deemed innocent but still necessary to "keep a close watch on... for future subversive activities".

Vice

Her high school teammates, many of whom Franklin has known for years, keep a close watch on her, looking for any signs of cracks in her preternatural composure.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep a close watch for", ensure the object of your vigilance is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Keep a close watch for any signs of unusual activity."

Common error

While acceptable in most situations, avoid using "keep a close watch for" excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "watch out" or "look out" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep a close watch for" functions primarily as a directive, urging the audience to be vigilant and observant. This is supported by Ludwig which deems the expression correct and usable. Examples include being watchful for traffic or emergency signs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep a close watch for" is a directive used to advise vigilance and awareness. As supported by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts. While the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, it's also common in Wiki and Formal & Business settings. When writing, it's essential to state clearly the object of vigilance to avoid ambiguity, while avoiding overuse in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay alert for

Less emphatic, implying a general state of readiness.

be on the lookout for

More colloquial, suggesting a proactive search for something.

watch out for

Focuses on potential dangers or problems.

be vigilant for

More formal, emphasizing a high level of watchfulness.

keep an eye out for

Informal, implying a casual but attentive observation.

pay close attention to

Focuses on careful observation, not necessarily for something specific.

monitor closely for

Suggests a systematic and regular observation.

observe carefully for

Emphasizes the detailed and thorough nature of the observation.

be attentive to

General advice to be aware, without necessarily looking for anything specific.

remain watchful for

Highlights the continuous aspect of being observant.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep a close watch for" to advise someone to be vigilant about something specific. For example, "During the pandemic, it's crucial to keep a close watch for any new symptoms."

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

Alternatives include "stay alert for", "be on the lookout for", or "watch out for", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "keep a close watch" or "keep a close eye"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "keep a close watch" often implies a more formal or serious situation, whereas "keep a close eye" can be more casual.

What does "keep a close watch for" really mean?

It means to be very careful and observant in order to notice something, often something that might be problematic or important.