keep vigil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep vigil" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It generally means to be vigilant or to keep a watchful eye out for potential danger or change. For example, "The security guard kept vigil throughout the night to ensure the safety of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

In this paper we report on Keeping Vigil Over the Profession comprising three major contextual categories that influence how CRNAs Keep Vigil Over the Patient: Establishing Public Credibility, Political Vigilance, and Tending the Flock.

BMC Nursing

They can keep vigil, as the King has asked.

The Economist

Distraught relatives travelled from Belfast to keep vigil, yards from the canvas shields.

The Economist

Parents keep vigil for sons who were arrested two decades ago.

The New York Times

They may practice sexual continence or keep vigil over the body of the deceased.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A church in nearby Whitesville opened its doors Monday night for townspeople to keep vigil.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Bond's family kept vigil around his hospital bed this week.

The Guardian

Angels kept vigil over graves, their faces worn away.

The New Yorker

Smith and Glass kept vigil as Ginsberg was dying from cancer.

The Guardian - Music

Along with some British journalists, I kept vigil at the British Embassy on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré Saint-Honoré

The New Yorker

Up front, beyond the shop's waiting area, was where Mr. Bradford once kept vigil.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep vigil" when you want to emphasize a sustained and dedicated period of watchfulness, often during a time of uncertainty or crisis. For example, "The family kept vigil at the hospital while their loved one was in surgery."

Common error

Avoid using "keep vigil" for brief, momentary acts of watching. The phrase implies a continuous, often prolonged, period of attentiveness. For instance, instead of "He kept vigil for a moment," consider "He glanced briefly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep vigil" functions primarily as a verbal phrase. It describes the act of maintaining a watchful, often sustained, state. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Examples show it describing parents awaiting news or people watching over the deceased.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep vigil" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase that signifies sustained watchfulness, often in times of waiting or mourning. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register and is suitable for describing dedicated attentiveness. Alternatives like "keep watch" or "stand guard" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use "keep vigil" for prolonged periods of watchfulness and to choose the correct tense for accurate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep watch

Focuses more on the act of observing, less on a specific purpose or event.

stand guard

Implies a more formal or assigned duty to protect or oversee.

maintain surveillance

Suggests a more methodical and often technological approach to monitoring.

remain attentive

Highlights the mental state of being alert and observant.

stay alert

Emphasizes readiness to respond to potential threats or changes.

be on the lookout

Indicates a proactive search for something specific.

keep an eye out

A more casual way to suggest watching for something.

watch over

Suggests a caring or protective observation.

observe carefully

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the observation.

monitor closely

Implies a regular and detailed examination of something.

FAQs

How to use "keep vigil" in a sentence?

You can use "keep vigil" to describe someone staying alert and watchful, especially during the night or at a time of crisis. For example, "The volunteers "kept vigil" at the polling station to ensure fair elections."

What can I say instead of "keep vigil"?

You can use alternatives like "keep watch", "stand guard", or "stay alert" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "kept vigil" or "keep vigil"?

Both "keep vigil" and ""kept vigil"" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Keep vigil" is present tense, while "kept vigil" is past tense. Choose the tense that matches the timing of the action you're describing.

What's the difference between "keep vigil" and "keep watch"?

While both phrases imply being watchful, "keep vigil" often suggests a more solemn or serious occasion, perhaps involving mourning, anxiety, or anticipation. "Keep watch" can be more general and less emotionally charged.