keep a watchful eye

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep a watchful eye' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is paying very close attention to someone or something in order to protect or observe. Example sentence: I will keep a watchful eye over my daughter while she learns to ride a bike.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Companies needed to have powerful shareholders and independent directors to keep a watchful eye on managers.

The Economist

Each candidate pledged to keep a watchful eye on Wall Street.

The New York Times

The foundation does, however, keep a watchful eye on the market.

The New York Times - Arts

So we have to keep a watchful eye on the progress firms are making.

The Guardian - Business

They asked Gosse to keep a watchful eye on Lubbock as he worked.

The Guardian - Books

To retain nutrients, keep a watchful eye on the pot or set a timer so you don't overcook.

Harvard University

Meanwhile, Machiavelli was instructed to keep a watchful eye on Cesare during what was to be a triumphant Romagnian crusade.

Independent

And remember, floorboards, like curtains, will be affected by sunlight so keep a watchful eye and maintain regularly".

Independent

The statue faced north allowing Lee, as local legend has it, to keep a watchful eye on the enemy.

The Washington Post

He hasn't opined any further, but Monkey will keep a watchful eye on Twitter so you don't have to.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They can burn easily and catch, so make sure you stir regularly and keep a watchful eye over them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "keep a watchful eye", clearly define what they should be looking for to ensure their vigilance is effective.

Common error

Avoid using "keep a watchful eye" to suggest merely glancing occasionally. It implies consistent and focused attention, not just passive observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep a watchful eye" functions as an idiomatic expression used to advise or instruct someone to be vigilant and observant. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, reinforcing its role as an expression of caution and supervision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep a watchful eye" is a common and grammatically sound way to instruct someone to be vigilant and observant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is readily usable in various writing contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad application. When using the phrase, clarity is key; specify what the recipient should be watching for to maximize its effectiveness. Remember, "keep a watchful eye" implies focused attention, not just passive observation. For alternatives, consider phrases like "monitor closely" or "observe carefully" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observe carefully

Highlights the thoroughness and attention to detail in the observation.

pay close attention

Emphasizes focusing one's mental efforts on something.

monitor closely

Focuses on tracking and observing something's progress or changes.

stay vigilant

Similar to 'maintain vigilance', but with a focus on remaining in a state of alertness.

remain attentive

Suggests staying focused and responsive to what's happening.

maintain vigilance

This alternative emphasizes continuous alertness and readiness.

supervise closely

Implies authority and responsibility in overseeing something.

be on the lookout

This suggests actively searching for something specific or potential problems.

oversee matters

Suggests a supervisory role in monitoring a situation.

keep under surveillance

Implies a more formal or covert observation.

FAQs

How can I use "keep a watchful eye" in a sentence?

You can use "keep a watchful eye" to indicate that someone should pay close attention to something. For example, "Please "keep a watchful eye" on the children while I'm in the kitchen."

What can I say instead of "keep a watchful eye"?

You can use alternatives like "monitor closely", "observe carefully", or "pay close attention" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to "keep a watchful eye" or "maintain vigilance"?

Both phrases convey a sense of attentiveness, but "maintain vigilance" suggests a more sustained and proactive state of alertness, while ""keep a watchful eye"" implies a focused observation.

What's the difference between "keep a watchful eye" and "be on the lookout"?

"Be on the lookout" suggests actively searching for something specific, while ""keep a watchful eye"" implies a general alertness and awareness of surroundings.