keep an ear out

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep an ear out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are paying close attention to something or that you are expecting something to happen. For example, "I'm going to keep an ear out for any news of my friend's job application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

And keep an ear out for others of those little connections.

The New York Times - Arts

Keep an ear out for these guys.

Huffington Post

Keep an ear out, as well as an eye.

WikiHow

Keep an ear out for rustling of bed sheets and stick to the shadows, they may not even notice your there if they look straight at you.

WikiHow

So make sure you keep an ear out for them.

The Guardian

Among the birds, you will not fail to see raven, but keep an ear out for the cawing of a relative that has recently recolonised Gower: chough.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

When Mr. Darsky left Flour + Water in January 2010, I kept an ear out for news of his re-emergence.

The New York Times

She has always kept an ear out for whatever was happening on the underground; the trick was to recognise what could be commercialised and to go ahead and do it.

Independent

When he's not busy photographing your wedding, helping you plan your divorce or informing you from behind the GP's desk that your life is over – or even sometimes while he is – Swift keeps an ear out for the classic English interior monologue.

The Guardian - Books

My heart raced as I kept an ear out for snapping twigs and voices signaling hikers who might see me, come looking, and turn me in.

Huffington Post

It might not be great if your parents or her parents come in while you guys are kissing, so keep an eye (or an ear) out for them.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context; while generally acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from less idiomatic alternatives like "listen carefully".

Common error

Don't use "keep an ear out" when the context requires visual or general awareness. Use "keep an eye out" or "be vigilant" instead for those broader situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep an ear out" functions as an idiomatic expression used to advise or instruct someone to listen carefully for specific information or sounds. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is considered a correct and usable phrase. The examples show its practical application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

32%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep an ear out" is a common and correct idiomatic phrase used to advise someone to listen attentively for specific information or sounds. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, though it leans towards informality. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as wiki sources, its purpose is to encourage vigilance and preparedness. To avoid misuse, remember that it applies specifically to auditory awareness, and for broader awareness, alternatives like "keep an eye out" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep your ears open

A more literal and less idiomatic version of the original phrase.

listen carefully

Highlights the act of listening with intention and focus.

pay attention

A more general expression for being observant and aware.

be attentive

Focuses on general attentiveness rather than specifically listening.

be on the lookout

Suggests actively searching for something specific, whether visually or audibly.

be vigilant

Implies a heightened state of alertness and readiness for potential danger or problems.

be alert

Emphasizes a state of readiness and quick responsiveness.

stay tuned

Suggests waiting for further information or developments, often in a broadcast context.

watch out

Primarily focused on visual awareness and potential danger.

mind

Implies paying attention to potential issues or items.

FAQs

How can I use "keep an ear out" in a sentence?

You can use "keep an ear out" to mean to pay attention and listen carefully for something. For example, "Keep an ear out for any news about the project deadline."

What's a similar phrase to "keep an ear out"?

A similar phrase is "listen carefully". Both suggest paying close attention to what you might hear.

When is it appropriate to use "keep an ear out" versus "keep an eye out"?

"Keep an ear out" is used when you want someone to listen for something specific, while "keep an eye out" is used when you want someone to watch for something. The choice depends on whether the information will likely come through sound or sight.

Is "keep an ear out" formal or informal?

"Keep an ear out" is generally considered an informal phrase. In more formal contexts, you might prefer to use a more direct and less idiomatic alternative, such as "remain alert" or "pay attention".