keep an eye open for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep an eye open for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to be vigilant or watchful for something specific. Example: "Please keep an eye open for any updates regarding the meeting schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Whoever is on board should probably keep an eye open for investment bankers jumping from bridges.

The Economist

So keep an eye open for Root on Strictly Come Dancing in about 2032.

The Guardian - Sport

Stop for a chat, keep an eye open for curtains left shut.

The Guardian

"Keep an eye open for the V.A.T. guys," Norquist said, referring to the value-added tax that many countries impose.

The New Yorker

"They sold out in no time, so we keep an eye open for something a bit different".

Independent

Once we have got past the screaming headlines, we should keep an eye open for the real story.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Germany kept an eye open for any counter-attacks; tempo and boldness were raised following the interval.

The Guardian - Sport

"In my third year I decided to apply for graduate schemes, and kept an eye open for international companies with offices in different parts of the world," she says.

The Guardian

In mood these photographs are reminiscent of the opening scenes of Night Work by the Austrian novelist Thomas Glavinic in which a man in Vienna, Jonas, wakes up to discover that he is the last person on earth: He kept an eye open for signs of life, or at least for some indication of what might have happened here, but all he saw were abandoned cars neatly parked..

The Guardian - Arts

SItn up now to get the best of VICE Canada delivered straight to your inbox.

Vice

When you hold auditions, be sure to keep a weather eye open for chemistry between certain actors.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep an eye open for", specify what you want the person to watch out for to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Keep an eye open for any signs of trouble" is more effective than just "Keep an eye open."

Common error

While "keep an eye open for" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in certain professional settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "remain vigilant" or "monitor closely" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep an eye open for" functions as an idiomatic expression used to advise someone to be vigilant and watchful. Ludwig AI affirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep an eye open for" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to advise vigilance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "keep an eye open for" is widely accepted, it's important to consider the formality of the situation, opting for more formal alternatives in professional settings. Remember to clearly specify what you want someone to watch out for, and avoid overusing the phrase in overly formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be on the lookout for

Emphasizes active searching and vigilance.

keep a sharp lookout for

Adds emphasis to the thoroughness of the search.

watch out for

Focuses on potential dangers or unexpected occurrences.

be watchful for

Similar to "watch out for", but with a broader scope.

be alert to

Highlights a state of readiness and awareness.

stay aware of

Focuses on maintaining a consistent level of knowledge.

pay attention to

Stresses the importance of focusing on specific details or events.

monitor for

Suggests systematic and regular observation.

be vigilant about

Implies careful and continuous monitoring.

be on your guard for

Implies a need for protection or defense.

FAQs

What does "keep an eye open for" mean?

The phrase "keep an eye open for" means to be alert and watchful for something specific, like potential opportunities, dangers, or important information.

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

You can use it like this: "When you're at the conference, "keep an eye open for" networking opportunities."

What can I say instead of "keep an eye open for"?

You can use alternatives like "be on the lookout for", "watch out for", or "be alert to" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "keep an eye open for" and "watch out for"?

"Keep an eye open for" generally suggests looking for opportunities or expected events, while "watch out for" often implies being cautious about potential dangers or unexpected problems.