keep an eye on things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'keep an eye on things' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when suggesting that someone should pay attention to a situation. For example: "I'd like to leave for the day, but could you please keep an eye on things until I return?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In order to keep an eye on things, one or more partners of Bain usually sat on the company's board of directors.

The New Yorker

"People like myself are trying to keep an eye on things," he said, "so that one morning we don't wake up and realize that, boom, there's another new development, and we didn't know anything about it".

The New York Times

The BBc hopes to slacken British control gradually, the then probably later this year, pull out, leaving only one or two observers to keep an eye on things.

The New Yorker

"You only need one person on that ward to keep an eye on things".

BBC

It perhaps helped that one of them, Bill Tai, a Valley-based tech investor, can keep an eye on things during his regular visits Down Under as a kite-surfer.

The Economist

Does he still need to keep an eye on things?

The Guardian - Music

"People on the block keep an eye on things for us," he said.

The New York Times

"I can be in my office," he said, "and still keep an eye on things".

The New York Times

"But my mum comes with me, to keep an eye on things".

The Guardian - Travel

They needed someone to look after their four cats and to keep an eye on things.

The Guardian - Books

He's running around town disguised as a friar, just to keep an eye on things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep an eye on things", clearly state what 'things' refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Please keep an eye on the equipment" is more specific than "Please keep an eye on things."

Common error

While "keep an eye on things" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Use more formal alternatives like "monitor", "supervise", or "oversee" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep an eye on things" functions as an idiomatic expression that serves as an instruction or request for someone to monitor or watch over something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and frequently used. The examples show its application in diverse situations, from watching over a house to monitoring a process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic phrase "keep an eye on things" is a common and correct expression used to instruct someone to monitor or watch over something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatile usage spans various contexts, though it's most prevalent in news and media. While the phrase is generally acceptable, its informal tone might necessitate more formal alternatives like "monitor" or "supervise" in professional settings. Remember to clearly specify what "things" refers to avoid ambiguity. Overall, "keep an eye on things" serves as a practical and widely understood way to convey the need for vigilance and responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitor the situation

Focuses on actively observing a situation for changes.

watch over

Emphasizes protection and care while observing.

supervise

Implies a more formal or managerial oversight.

be vigilant

Highlights the need for alertness and readiness.

oversee

Suggests a broader scope of responsibility in watching.

observe carefully

Focuses on the detail and accuracy of the observation.

maintain surveillance

Suggests a more formal or covert approach to watching.

keep under observation

Highlights that something is being formally observed.

stay informed

Focuses on receiving updates and being aware of developments.

pay close attention

Emphasizes the level of focus one should give.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep an eye on things" to mean watch something carefully. For example, "Could you please "keep an eye on things" while I step out?"

What's a more formal way to say "keep an eye on things"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "monitor the situation", "supervise", or "oversee".

What does "keep an eye on things" imply?

"Keep an eye on things" implies watching something with the intention of ensuring its safety, order, or proper functioning. It suggests a level of responsibility and attentiveness.

Is it correct to say "kept an eye on things"?

Yes, "kept an eye on things" is the past tense form of the idiom and is grammatically correct. For example, "She "kept an eye on things" while I was away."