keep an eye out

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep an eye out" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to express that someone should pay attention to their environment and be on the lookout for something. For example, "Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They keep an eye out," she said.

The New York Times

Keep an eye out for those hobgoblins.

The New York Times

Keep an eye out for additional benefits.

Independent

Keep an eye out for Season 3.

The New York Times - Arts

Something to keep an eye out for.

The New York Times

Keep an eye out for these movies.

The New York Times

Keep an eye out for Kapadia's response.

The Guardian - Film

Keep an eye out for those braces.

The Guardian - Music

Keep an eye out for it.

Forbes

Keep an eye out for her name.

BBC

"Keep an eye out for us.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to be alert for something specific, follow "keep an eye out" with a prepositional phrase indicating the object of attention. For example: "Keep an eye out for suspicious packages."

Common error

Avoid using reflexive pronouns unnecessarily with "keep an eye out". It's incorrect to say "Keep an eye out for yourself"; instead, use "Take care of yourself" or "Be careful."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep an eye out" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to be watchful and alert. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct phrase. It's often used to direct someone to pay attention to their surroundings or to a specific detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

51%

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep an eye out" is a very common and correct imperative used to instruct vigilance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it maintains an informal register. Alternatives such as "be on the lookout" or "watch carefully" can be used for varied emphasis. Remember to follow it with a specific object of attention and avoid unnecessary reflexive pronouns. Overall, it is a clear and effective way to prompt someone to be watchful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look out for

Very similar, directly indicating to watch for something specific.

be on the lookout

This phrase is very similar but slightly more emphatic.

keep watch

Similar in meaning, this emphasizes the act of guarding or observing.

watch carefully

This alternative focuses on the act of observing with attention.

stay alert

This suggests maintaining a state of readiness and awareness.

monitor closely

This suggests a more systematic and continuous observation.

be vigilant

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a state of alertness.

observe keenly

Stresses the intensity and thoroughness of observation.

pay attention

This is a broader term that means to focus one's awareness.

be aware

Implies consciousness of one's surroundings or potential dangers.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep an eye out" to instruct someone to be vigilant or watchful. For example, "Keep an eye out for sales" or "Keep an eye out for suspicious activity".

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

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "remain vigilant", "exercise caution", or "maintain awareness".

Is it correct to say "keep an eye on" instead of "keep an eye out"?

While similar, "keep an eye on" typically means to supervise something or someone, whereas "keep an eye out" means to be alert and watch for something specific. For example, "Keep an eye on the baby" versus "Keep an eye out for the postman".

What are some alternatives to "keep an eye out" that I can use in different contexts?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be on the lookout", "watch carefully", or "stay alert". Each carries a slightly different nuance of vigilance.