keep an eye on

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep an eye on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that you are monitoring something. For example, "I'll keep an eye on the stock market and let you know if there are any big changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Keep an eye on him.

The New York Times - Arts

Keep an eye on Foxcatcher.

The Guardian - Film

Keep an eye on Florida.

The New York Times

For details, keep an eye on Twitter.

The New York Times

Keep an eye on this guy.

The New York Times - Arts

Keep an eye on those puppies.

The New York Times

Keep an eye on your thermostat.

The New Yorker

"Keep an eye on him for me".

The New Yorker

Keep an eye on HiTV.

Forbes

Keep an eye on that.

BBC

But keep an eye on these folks.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep an eye on" when you want to suggest a casual but attentive form of monitoring, suitable for situations where a constant, intensive focus isn't necessary but awareness is important.

Common error

Avoid using "keep an eye on" in contexts that require constant and detailed surveillance. It's more appropriate for situations where a general awareness is sufficient, not for scenarios demanding rigorous, continuous observation.

How to use

Learn how to use "keep an eye on" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "keep an eye on" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a direction to monitor or observe something. Ludwig AI validates this with numerous real-world examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

23%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep an eye on" is a versatile and commonly used idiomatic expression that means to watch or monitor something carefully. It’s grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from casual conversations to news reports. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples. While generally neutral in tone, more formal situations might call for alternatives like "monitor" or "supervise". Its widespread presence in diverse sources, particularly in WikiHow and news outlets, underscores its relevance in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watch over

Implies a sense of care and protection while observing.

keep watch

Suggests a more active and vigilant form of watching, often for potential threats.

monitor

A more formal and direct substitute, suitable for professional or technical contexts.

pay attention to

Focuses on directing one's awareness to something.

supervise

Implies authority and responsibility while overseeing something.

observe

A neutral term that emphasizes careful and systematic watching.

be on the lookout for

Implies actively searching for something specific while watching.

be vigilant

Emphasizes the need for alertness and watchfulness.

scrutinize

Suggests a critical and detailed examination while observing.

keep under surveillance

Suggests a discreet and often covert form of monitoring.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep an eye on" to suggest monitoring something. For instance, "keep an eye on the baby while I'm in the kitchen" or "keep an eye on the market for any fluctuations".

What's a more formal alternative to "keep an eye on"?

For more formal contexts, consider using terms like "monitor", "supervise", or "oversee". These convey a greater sense of responsibility and diligence.

Is "keep an eye on" appropriate for professional writing?

While "keep an eye on" is understandable, it might be too informal for certain professional settings. In reports or formal communications, using a more precise term like "observe" or "track" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "keep an eye on" and "watch over"?

"Keep an eye on" generally means to observe something, while "watch over" often implies a protective element. You might "keep an eye on" a stock price, but you'd "watch over" a child to ensure their safety.