keep a closer watch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep a closer watch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to pay more attention or be more vigilant about a situation or person. Example: "Given the recent changes in the project, I suggest we keep a closer watch on the team's progress to ensure we meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Now, he is calling for regulators to keep a closer watch on the speed trading.

The New York Times

He punished me... decided he would have to keep a closer watch on me......

The New York Times

Now, the agency plans to keep a closer watch on whether banks have put away enough capital for rainy days.

The New York Times

Stricter data-protection and other rules are also pushing firms to keep a closer watch on information.

The Economist

The first reading allows for the response that we should keep a closer watch on our politicians.

The Guardian - Film

This allows moderators to keep a closer watch on conversations that we know are more likely to attract abuse.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep a closer watch", clearly specify the subject or situation that requires increased attention to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "keep a closer watch" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations; consider more relaxed alternatives like "keep an eye on" for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep a closer watch" functions as a directive, urging increased vigilance or monitoring of a subject. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is used across multiple domains, reflecting its broad applicability. Ludwig AI validates the phrase as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep a closer watch" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that advises increased vigilance or monitoring. As Ludwig highlights, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for professional and general communication. Alternatives include "monitor more closely" and "pay closer attention". When using this phrase, it's best to specify the subject needing attention and avoid overuse in very informal settings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides several examples of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitor more closely

Focuses on the action of monitoring with greater intensity.

pay closer attention

Emphasizes the act of giving increased attentiveness.

maintain stricter surveillance

Highlights a more rigid and controlled observation.

exercise greater vigilance

Stresses the importance of being more alert and cautious.

enhance scrutiny

Implies an increase in detailed examination and inspection.

tighten oversight

Focuses on strengthening the supervision and control.

increase supervision

Highlights the act of increasing the level of oversight.

sharpen focus

Emphasizes improving the precision of one's attention.

be more observant

Stresses the importance of being more perceptive of details.

heighten awareness

Focuses on increasing the level of conscious knowledge and perception.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep a closer watch" when you want to advise someone to pay more attention or be more vigilant about a situation or person. For example: "Given the recent changes in the project, I suggest we "keep a closer watch" on the team's progress to ensure we meet our deadlines."

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

Some alternatives to "keep a closer watch" include "monitor more closely", "pay closer attention", or "maintain stricter surveillance", depending on the context.

Is "keep a closer watch" formal or informal?

"Keep a closer watch" is generally considered neutral in formality. While it can be used in professional settings, it is also suitable for general news reporting and other non-specialized media.

When is it appropriate to use "keep a closer watch"?

It's appropriate to use "keep a closer watch" when you want to emphasize the need for increased vigilance or monitoring of a particular situation or person. It suggests that the current level of attention is insufficient and needs to be enhanced.