keep under surveillance

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep under surveillance" is a correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It means to monitor or watch closely. Example: The detective kept the suspect under surveillance, hoping to catch him in the act of committing a crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Notwithstanding, the monitoring of radioactivity in this region is needed to keep under surveillance the environmental contamination and radiation exposure and, in particular, for ensuring compliance with water quality standards and for ensuring the radiation protection of the public.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

He is also explicitly prohibited from any of the following to Pincus: "harass, attack, strike, threaten, assault (sexually or otherwise), hit, follow, stalk, destroy personal property, keep under surveillance or block movements".

TechCrunch

The DVRO prohibits Patric from doing the following to Ms. Schreiber: "harass, attack, strike, threaten, assault (sexually or otherwise), hit, follow, stalk, molest, destroy personal property, disturb the peace, keep under surveillance, or block movements" -- among other things.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Activists say they are kept under surveillance.

The Economist

Both men were also kept under surveillance.

The New York Times

She was tortured, subjected to house arrest, kept under surveillance and banished to a remote town in another province.

The Guardian

Mr. Tobin said it was common for American students to be kept under surveillance by local Russian officials.

The New York Times

Not all of the Taliban had been convinced by Gard's defection, and he was kept under surveillance.

The New Yorker

The reactor is to be kept under surveillance by closed-circuit television cameras that would detect any movement of fuel.

The New York Times

Cuong De was honoured by Vietnamese nationalist politicians, but he remained in Japan and was kept under surveillance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were kept under surveillance out of fear that North Korea might send back their relatives as spies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep under surveillance" when you want to convey a sense of watchful monitoring, especially in situations involving potential threats, investigations, or ensuring compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "keep under surveillance" in everyday situations where simple observation suffices. This phrase carries a connotation of suspicion or potential danger, making it inappropriate for casual contexts. Opt for alternatives like "watch closely" or "monitor" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep under surveillance" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of monitoring someone or something closely, often due to suspicion or for security purposes. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep under surveillance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the act of closely monitoring someone or something. As Ludwig AI explains, it is generally appropriate for describing situations where continuous and discreet monitoring is necessary. While its register is considered neutral, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in casual settings, as it carries a connotation of suspicion. Related phrases such as "monitor closely" or "watch closely" can serve as less formal alternatives. Predominantly found in news and science contexts, "keep under surveillance" is a valuable term for accurately portraying situations that demand vigilance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitor closely

Focuses on the act of monitoring with attention to detail, removing the implication of suspicion inherent in "surveillance".

observe carefully

Emphasizes the act of careful observation, suggesting a more scientific or detached approach than "surveillance".

watch closely

A more general term for paying close attention, lacking the specific connotation of potential threat or wrongdoing.

maintain vigilance over

Highlights the sustained effort of being watchful, suitable for situations requiring ongoing attention.

keep a close watch on

Similar to "watch closely", but with a slightly more proactive and attentive tone.

scrutinize

Implies a more intense and critical examination, often looking for flaws or inconsistencies.

oversee

Suggests a supervisory role, where monitoring is part of a broader responsibility.

track

Focuses on following the movement or progress of something, often using technology.

supervise

Implies authority and responsibility over the subject being watched.

survey

Refers to a broad and comprehensive overview, often for data collection or assessment.

FAQs

How is "keep under surveillance" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "keep under surveillance" often refers to the authorized monitoring of individuals suspected of criminal activity, ensuring their actions are observed and documented for potential evidence.

What are some less formal alternatives to "keep under surveillance"?

If you need a less formal way to express the same idea, you could use phrases like "watch closely", "monitor", or "keep an eye on", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "keep under surveillance" and "observe"?

"Observe" is a general term for noticing or paying attention to something, while "keep under surveillance" implies a more deliberate and sustained monitoring, often with a specific purpose, such as detecting potential wrongdoing.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "keep under surveillance"?

The phrase "keep under surveillance" is appropriate when describing situations where continuous and discreet monitoring is necessary, such as in law enforcement, security, or scientific research involving sensitive subjects.