keep a sharp eye on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep a sharp eye on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to pay close attention to something or someone, often to ensure safety or to monitor a situation closely. Example: "As the storm approaches, make sure to keep a sharp eye on the weather updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Mr Cardoso and the world have also to keep a sharp eye on Congress.

The Economist

Considering the sharp instruments and heavy materials used, judges have to keep a sharp eye on proceedings.

The New York Times

We need to avoid this pattern in 2016, and keep a sharp eye on the long term".

The Guardian

This sentiment, that there are seasons within seasons (call it microseasonality), is the latest paradigm for chefs and home cooks who keep a sharp eye on the calendar.

The New York Times - Food

You'd need to keep a sharp eye on your soul, and maybe your wallet too, if he sidled up beside you.

The New York Times

As interest rates creep up, it is only natural for investors to keep a sharp eye on Alan Greenspan, the Federal Reserve chairman.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

FRANKFURT -- European countries need to keep a sharper eye on one another's finances, and sanctions against fiscal rule-breakers should kick in automatically, the European Central Bank president, Jean-Claude Trichet, said on Monday.

The New York Times

Keep a sharp eye out on newspapers, television commercials, radio advertisements and the Internet for special pricing.

WikiHow

The report had recommended that NSF lean on Antarctic scientists to keep a sharper eye on the costs of instrumentation deployment and operation support by considering those costs in the review and selection of science projects.

Science Magazine

He keeps a sharp eye on prices.

The New York Times

Jiri Dienstbier, a dissident who became Czechoslovakia's first post-revolutionary foreign minister in 1989, kept a sharp eye on them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "keep a sharp eye on" when you want to emphasize the need for careful and vigilant observation, especially when potential risks or problems are anticipated. For example, "Keep a sharp eye on the market trends to identify new opportunities."

Common error

While "keep a sharp eye on" is a useful idiom, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "monitor closely" or "pay close attention to" to prevent your writing from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep a sharp eye on" functions as an idiomatic expression used to advise or instruct someone to watch something or someone carefully. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep a sharp eye on" is a common idiom that advises careful and vigilant observation, particularly when anticipating risks or problems. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, demonstrating its wide applicability. While effective, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "monitor closely" or "pay close attention to". The phrase carries a neutral register, suitable for diverse writing styles, emphasizing its versatility in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay close attention to

A more general term for observing carefully, lacking the implied threat.

be on the lookout for

Implies searching for something specific, often something anticipated.

monitor closely

Focuses on tracking and reviewing progress or changes in something.

remain vigilant toward

Emphasizes sustained alertness and preparedness for potential issues.

watch like a hawk

Emphasizes intense and unwavering attention, often with protective intent.

exercise caution regarding

Highlights the need for careful and prudent action in relation to something.

keep under observation

Indicates a sustained watch, often in a controlled environment.

mind carefully

Refers to tending to someone/something with caution.

maintain surveillance over

Suggests a more formal and systematic approach to watching something.

scrutinize carefully

Highlights the need for detailed examination to identify potential issues.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep a sharp eye on" to advise someone to watch something carefully. For instance, "Keep a sharp eye on the departures board" when you are waiting for the train schedule.

What's a less idiomatic alternative to "keep a sharp eye on"?

Alternatives to "keep a sharp eye on" include "pay close attention to", "monitor closely", or "stay vigilant", depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to say "kept a sharp eye on" instead of "keep a sharp eye on"?

Yes, "kept a sharp eye on" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct when referring to a past action. For example, "The security guard "kept a sharp eye on" the entrance."

What's the difference between "keep a sharp eye on" and "keep a close eye on"?

While both phrases mean to watch carefully, "keep a sharp eye on" often implies a more acute awareness of potential danger or problems. "Keep a close eye on" is a general term for watching carefully.