keep close watch on

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep close watch on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to closely monitor or observe something or someone. Example: The security guard was instructed to keep close watch on the VIP's movements throughout the event.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

I keep close watch on myself.

The New York Times - Health

Keep close watch on retail energy market.

The Guardian

For the obsessives who keep close watch on the music charts, this time of year can be repetitive.

The New York Times

Mr. Dalton called Clayton a safe community but said parents should continue to keep close watch on their children.

The New York Times

Goa's chief minister has already promised to keep close watch on the club, looking for wrongdoing, making Mr. Gupta's plans sound ambitious.

The New York Times

I added it to my virtual portfolio, a feature on the site that allows me to keep close watch on all the things I will never buy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Admiral Walsh said that American warships remained in international waters, and that Iranian and American ships kept close watch on one another.

The New York Times

He said he hoped the appeals court decision would encourage residents to keep closer watch on their representatives.

The New York Times

The State Education Department said on Friday that it was requiring a Long Island school district to keep closer watch on classrooms during standardized tests because of accusations that some of its teachers may have improperly helped students during last year's exams.

The New York Times

The Warm Wishes line is just one example of how Hallmark keeps close watch on cultural trends and then takes those insights and transforms them into greeting cards.

The New York Times

YouTube was a non-starter; Ben Ali's censors kept close watch on the site.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep close watch on", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is being monitored and the reason for the vigilance. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "keep close watch on" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or sophisticated language may be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "monitor" or "supervise" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep close watch on" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an action of monitoring or observing something with care and attention. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a usable phrase in written English. Examples from Ludwig show usage in news, health, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

11%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep close watch on" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to convey the necessity of careful monitoring. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Its primary function is to instruct or advise about the importance of vigilance, often appearing in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "monitor" in highly technical writing. The phrase emphasizes the proactive act of watching to stay informed or prevent issues, making it a valuable expression in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitor closely

Focuses on the act of monitoring, omitting the "keeping" aspect.

observe carefully

Highlights careful observation, changing the focus from active watching to detailed observation.

keep under surveillance

Implies a more formal and potentially secretive level of monitoring.

scrutinize

Suggests a critical and detailed examination, rather than just general monitoring.

supervise vigilantly

Emphasizes supervision and vigilance, useful in contexts involving responsibility.

maintain vigilance over

Highlights maintaining a state of alert and careful observation.

pay close attention to

Shifts the focus to attention, rather than the act of watching.

be on the lookout for

Suggests watching for something specific, usually something negative or unexpected.

oversee attentively

Focuses on overseeing with attentiveness, suitable for managerial contexts.

track meticulously

Emphasizes detailed and precise tracking, rather than general observation.

FAQs

How can I use "keep close watch on" in a sentence?

You can use "keep close watch on" to indicate the need to closely monitor something. For example, "The doctor will "monitor closely" your condition" or "Security personnel must "observe carefully" the premises".

What are some alternatives to "keep close watch on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "monitor closely", "observe carefully", or "scrutinize".

Is it more appropriate to use "keep close watch on" or "monitor" in formal writing?

"Monitor" is generally more appropriate for formal writing, while "keep close watch on" is suitable for more casual or general contexts. The choice depends on the register and the intended audience.

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

"Keep close watch on" implies a more diligent and focused observation compared to "keep an eye on", which suggests a more casual or less intensive level of attention. The former is used when the situation requires heightened awareness.