keep a constant eye on

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep a constant eye on' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone should pay close attention or observe something carefully over a period of time. For example: "We need to keep a constant eye on our competitors to ensure we remain ahead in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The prudent owner must keep a constant eye on wastefulness.

The New York Times

Long ago, to prepare for the anticipated crowds, more than a dozen monitors were hired to keep a constant eye on the well-being of flora and fauna.

The New York Times - Sports

"The mayor always said that we have to keep a constant eye on whether we can afford these tax cuts, and based on where we are right now, they're still alive and moving forward," the aide said.

The New York Times

Olga Supphozova's Bacchante (Robert Carter), with a sly air of Southern impatience, must keep a constant eye on Bacchus, who has also caught the attention of the frisky Panette (Long Zou's Nina Enimenimynimova).

The New York Times - Arts

Like many who use the river, they keep a constant eye on the weather and on tide timetables – the Thames is tidal below Teddington Lock and high tide readings are recorded at London Bridge and posted online by the Port of London Authority.

The Guardian - Arts

The software that now allows bookmakers to keep a constant eye on their liabilities had yet to be written, so Dillon describes shop managers from all around the country calling in after race five or race six to say: "I've got this bet here, it could cost us £100,000 …" Ladbrokes' biggest winner on the day, John Bolton, is here, grinning as if he had just banked the £500,000.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Calliope keeps a constant eye on the other make-out session.

The New Yorker

When Nik Deogun was running the financial coverage of The Wall Street Journal during the crisis in 2008, he kept a constant eye on CNBC as the events played out on television.

The New York Times

They don't want to be their own doctors, train their own doctors or keep a constant wary eye on their doctors.

The New York Times - Health

In each case the illumination was adjusted to compensate for the shadowing caused by the beam blockage to keep a constant incident power on the eye.

Biomedical Optics Express

Keep a constant track.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep a constant eye on", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being observed and why. This adds clarity and purpose to your writing.

Common error

While "keep a constant eye on" is generally acceptable, overuse in informal settings can sound overly formal. Consider using simpler alternatives like "watch closely" or "pay attention" depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep a constant eye on" is as an idiomatic expression used as a verb phrase. It typically functions as a directive or recommendation, advising continuous and careful observation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

33%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep a constant eye on" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic verb phrase, typically used to advise or instruct continuous and careful observation. Ludwig AI confirms this, and it's widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure appropriateness. Alternatives include phrases like ""monitor closely"" or "pay close attention to", depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay close attention to

Highlights the level of focus given to something.

monitor closely

Emphasizes the act of systematically watching and recording information about something.

remain attentive to

Focuses on maintaining a state of awareness and readiness to respond.

watch vigilantly

Highlights a state of alertness and readiness to detect any potential danger or issue.

track consistently

Focuses on following the progress or development of something over time.

observe continuously

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the observation.

scrutinize regularly

Suggests a detailed and critical examination at repeated intervals.

keep under surveillance

Suggests a more formal or secretive form of observation.

supervise carefully

Emphasizes the responsibility of overseeing and guiding something with attention to detail.

maintain oversight

Implies a responsibility to supervise and manage something.

FAQs

What does "keep a constant eye on" mean?

The phrase "keep a constant eye on" means to continuously and carefully observe something or someone to ensure safety, prevent problems, or monitor progress.

How can I use "keep a constant eye on" in a sentence?

You can use "keep a constant eye on" in sentences such as, "We need to "monitor closely" the budget to avoid overspending" or "The doctor advised us to "watch vigilantly" for any signs of infection."

What are some alternatives to "keep a constant eye on"?

Alternatives to "keep a constant eye on" include phrases like "pay close attention to", ""monitor closely"", or "remain attentive to", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

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

Both "keep a close eye on" and "keep a constant eye on" are correct, but "keep a close eye on" is slightly more common. "Keep a constant eye on" emphasizes the continuous nature of the observation.