keep a close watch on

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep a close watch on" is correct and is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize close attention and monitoring on an event or situation. For example, "We need to keep a close watch on the budget to make sure we are staying within our allocated funds."

✓ 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

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

The Economist

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

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

But the city should keep a close watch on these families as the subsidies phase out.

The New York Times

But it is certain that the army will keep a close watch on it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep a close watch on", ensure the subject of your observation is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what needs monitoring, such as "keep a close watch on market trends."

Common error

Avoid using "keep a close watch on" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "monitor closely" or "pay careful attention to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep a close watch on" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of monitoring something or someone attentively. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep a close watch on" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to advise or instruct someone to monitor something attentively. Ludwig AI analysis reveals it's used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. To enhance writing, ensure clarity by specifying the subject of observation and avoid overuse by employing synonyms. This phrase serves as a versatile tool for emphasizing vigilance and careful observation in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay close attention to

This highlights the act of giving focused mental effort and observation.

closely monitor

This alternative is a more concise, formal way of expressing the same idea, using a single verb.

observe carefully

This alternative directly emphasizes the careful action of observation, without necessarily implying intervention.

be attentive to

This indicates a general awareness and readiness to notice any changes or important details.

keep a sharp lookout for

This suggests a heightened sense of alert and readiness to spot something unexpected.

stay vigilant about

This emphasizes the need for continuous alertness and proactive attention to potential issues.

oversee carefully

This suggests the function of supervising with great care.

scrutinize

This suggests a detailed and critical examination, often looking for flaws or inconsistencies.

keep under surveillance

This implies a more formal or official monitoring, often associated with security or investigation.

maintain surveillance over

This suggests a continued, often covert, observation of a person or place.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep a close watch on" to indicate the need for monitoring something. For example, "We need to "keep a close watch on" the project's budget to ensure we don't exceed it."

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

Some alternatives include "closely monitor", "pay close attention to", or "stay vigilant about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "keep a close eye on" or "keep a close watch on"?

Both "keep a close eye on" and "keep a close watch on" are acceptable and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context, with "keep a close eye on" perhaps being slightly more informal.

What does it mean to "keep a close watch on" something?

To "keep a close watch on" something means to monitor it carefully and attentively, usually because you expect something important or problematic might happen. It implies vigilance and a readiness to react to any changes.