keep alert for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'keep alert for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasise the importance of being attentive and watchful for something. Example sentence: We must keep alert for any suspicious activity in the area.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

There's no reason to become preoccupied with your typical, innocent floaters, but you should keep alert for more worrisome visual symptoms.

Harvard University

They maintain a Midtown office, keep alert for deep-pocket donors and publish sports books to raise money and keep the museum's name alive.

The New York Times

Back then, those men with the patience to keep alert for the flare or flag of an approaching vessel and the physical strength to "bull" cargo were really the only people allowed near the docks.

The New York Times

This month the Food and Drug Administration issued voluntary guidelines on protecting food, recommending that food producers guard their facilities, and telling them to watch employees for suspicious behavior and keep alert for suspicious powders or odors.

The New York Times

Nailed to the occasional tree are round red Department of Environmental Conservation disks that show the way -- and it is wise to keep alert for them, as a number of secondary routes branch from the main trail.

The New York Times - Travel

Keep alert for motorists and bicyclists.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Most of the students started substances use during their preparatory school and first year university study period and the most commonly mentioned reason for khat, alcohol and cigarette use among university students were to keep alert while reading, for relaxation with friends and to get relief from stress respectively.

BMC Public Health

The commonest reasons for khat, alcohol and cigarette using were to keep alert while reading 40.6%, for relaxation 65.5% and to relief stress 37.7% respectively.

BMC Public Health

But you can hope for it, be ready, keep alert – as any writer probably should in general.

The Guardian - Books

He would warn us to keep alert to the unexpected, to be prepared for a "newe acquayantance".

Emerging Infectious Diseases

I had been awake for 36 straight hours for work, but it seemed best to keep alert.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep alert for", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject should be watching for. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid relying too heavily on "keep alert for" in formal documents. Opt for synonyms like "remain vigilant" or "maintain awareness" to enhance professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep alert for" functions as an imperative expression, urging someone to maintain vigilance towards a specific potential event or situation. Ludwig examples show it being used in a variety of contexts to emphasize the importance of attentiveness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep alert for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to advise vigilance and attentiveness. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the choice of synonyms may depend on the level of formality required. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. Alternatives like "stay vigilant for" or "be watchful for" can be considered for variety. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what one should "keep alert for". Overall, understanding these nuances enables effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay vigilant for

Implies continuous and careful observation, emphasizing a proactive approach to potential threats or opportunities. This alternative is more formal.

be watchful for

Suggests a cautious and attentive stance, suitable when anticipating potential problems or changes. It is slightly more literary.

remain attentive to

Highlights the importance of paying close attention to something, often in a more formal or professional context. It's less about immediate danger and more about general awareness.

be on the lookout for

Suggests actively searching for something or someone, often with a sense of anticipation or urgency. It's more informal.

keep an eye out for

An informal and common expression that emphasizes casual observation and readiness to notice something. This is less formal.

watch out for

A direct and imperative phrase indicating immediate danger or caution. More direct, less formal.

pay attention to

General advice to focus on something. It's broad and may lack the urgency of "keep alert for".

be aware of

Focuses on recognizing the existence or presence of something, rather than actively watching for it.

monitor for

Implies systematic and regular observation, often using technical equipment or processes.

track

Suggests following the development or movement of something, rather than just watching for its appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "keep alert for" in a sentence?

Use "keep alert for" to advise someone to remain watchful and attentive to potential risks or opportunities. For example, "Hikers should keep alert for signs of wildlife."

What's a more formal alternative to "keep alert for"?

More formal alternatives include "remain vigilant for" or "maintain awareness of". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

What does "keep alert for" imply?

"Keep alert for" implies a proactive and continuous state of attentiveness, suggesting the need to be prepared for something that may occur. It emphasizes readiness and vigilance.

Is it okay to use "keep alert for" in informal conversations?

Yes, "keep alert for" is appropriate in informal conversations. However, alternatives like "keep an eye out for" or "watch out for" might be more common and natural in casual settings.