keep under observation

USAGE SUMMARY

Yes.
'Keep under observation' is a correct and usable phrase in written English. You can use this phrase when you want to suggest monitoring someone or something for a period of time. For example: The hospital staff kept the patient under observation for 24 hours.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They are a source of concern for many as they are a difficult to keep under observation.

BBC

These are also a source of concern for many as they are a bit difficult to keep under observation.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He is being kept under observation until the weekend.

The Guardian - Music

You need controlling, you need to be shut up, you need to be kept under observation.

The Guardian - Opinion

All significant mechanical injuries must therefore be kept under observation for days or even weeks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More than 120 people who came in contact with the three victims are being kept under observation, the authorities said.

The New York Times

A policeman hoisted me up and half-carried me to St Bart's, where I was put on a drip, given warm sugary milk and kept under observation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The properties were kept under observation, and the financier's personal staff later led investigators to another, more secluded property north of Cannes in the village of Mouans-Sartoux.

Independent

They are kept under observation for an hour to check whether they have an adverse reaction to the injection, and are then allowed to go home.

Independent

The postman brought the police and after that a barage of papers told the dog owner that Tuesday would have to be removed and kept under observation in case of hydrophobia.

The New Yorker

Organisms can be housed in microterrariums and microaquariums, in a home away from home fashioned to their liking, and kept under observation for as long as it takes to make their acquaintance.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep under observation" in medical contexts, specify the duration and parameters of the observation. For instance, "The patient was kept under observation for 24 hours, with regular monitoring of vital signs."

Common error

Avoid using "keep under observation" when the situation requires active intervention. Observation implies monitoring without necessarily acting, so use more direct language if action is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep under observation" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of monitoring someone or something. Ludwig AI shows its frequent use in contexts where continuous assessment is required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep under observation" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of monitoring someone or something closely, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and formal contexts, it conveys a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, consider the duration and parameters of the observation. Alternative phrases such as "monitor closely" or "keep under surveillance" may be appropriate depending on the specific context. Avoid using it when active intervention is required, as observation implies a passive monitoring role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitor closely

Focuses on the act of monitoring, emphasizing attention to detail.

keep under surveillance

Implies a more formal or investigative monitoring, often associated with security or law enforcement.

watch carefully

Highlights the act of watching, suggesting vigilance.

observe meticulously

Emphasizes the thoroughness and precision of the observation.

keep a close watch on

Adds emphasis to the idea of vigilance.

scrutinize

Suggests a more critical and detailed examination.

track

Implies following the progress or movement of something.

follow

Can imply either physical or abstract tracking.

supervise

Suggests authority and responsibility in overseeing something.

oversee

Similar to supervise, but can also mean to watch over something without direct control.

FAQs

How can I use "keep under observation" in a sentence?

You can use "keep under observation" to indicate that someone or something is being monitored. For example, "The doctor decided to keep the patient under observation overnight" or "The building was kept under observation by the police".

What does it mean to "keep under observation"?

To "keep under observation" means to watch someone or something carefully for a period of time, usually to monitor their condition or behavior.

What can I say instead of "keep under observation"?

You can use alternatives like "monitor closely", "keep under surveillance", or "watch carefully" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "kept under observation" or "held under observation"?

"Kept under observation" is generally more common and appropriate in medical or scientific contexts, while "held under observation" might be used in contexts involving security or investigation.