keep vigilant

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep vigilant' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express the idea of staying alert and watchful for potential danger. For example: "Given the current security situation, it is important to keep vigilant at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Using no computer controls means sleeping here to keep vigilant watch on the production temperatures through the frigid winter months, after the rice harvest, when sake is produced.

The New York Times

Yes, champions of liberty should keep vigilant watch on the power of the state; but sometimes they should also be reassured by it.

The Guardian

And the rest of us, especially the media, would have to keep vigilant watch, so we could sound the alarm before an irrevocable pardon is granted.

The New York Times

Volunteers from the charity Missing People were out in force on Lendal Bridge and in the main shopping areas of York today, asking the public to keep vigilant and distributing Miss Roberts' picture.

Independent

The same was true in Atlanta, where Kathy T. Huggins, a spokeswoman for the George Emergency Management Agency, said, "Basically, people were on high alert anyway, and this is just a heads-up to keep vigilant".

The New York Times

Gene Dziak, the emergency management official for Pennsylvania's largely rural Wyoming County, said that "people who live next to creeks and streams need to keep vigilant, with their heads on a swivel," and get to the county's shelter if they see signs of trouble.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The package will be parked in one of the lunar libration points L4 or L5, and kept vigilant by a watch-dog orbital transfer vehicle which will push the package away in case an asteroid approaches.

Energy

Funny Cide was fitted with a mask so steam could loosen his throat, and for weeks, Tagg and Smullen kept vigilant watch.

The New York Times - Sports

Veridian Dynamics is an amoral, tyrannical corporation that forces employees to work nights, weekends and major holidays and keeps vigilant track of their personal phone calls and coffee-creamer quotas.

The New York Times - Arts

Nicholas and Alexandra kept vigilant watch over the boy, employed two sharp-eyed sailors to accompany him everywhere and commandeered an army of doctors to try to make him well.

The Guardian - Books

I kept vigilant.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing others to "keep vigilant", clearly specify what they should be watching for to provide context and enhance their focus.

Common error

While "keep vigilant" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for more natural alternatives like "stay alert" or "keep an eye out" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep vigilant" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to maintain a state of alertness. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep vigilant" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression that urges someone to maintain a state of alertness. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is often used to advise or warn individuals to be watchful, particularly in contexts related to safety and security. While grammatically sound and present in reputable sources, it may come across as overly formal in casual conversation. Alternatives such as "stay alert" or "keep a close watch" might be more suitable for informal settings. The phrase appears primarily in News & Media sources, with some presence in scientific and Wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain vigilant

Uses a more formal verb, "remain", to convey a similar sense of sustained alertness.

maintain vigilance

Employs the noun "vigilance", offering a slightly more abstract and formal tone.

stay alert

Simplifies the phrasing using more common vocabulary, making it less formal.

be watchful

Replaces "vigilant" with "watchful", emphasizing observation and attentiveness.

keep a close watch

Uses a more descriptive phrase involving an action ("watch") and an attribute ("close").

exercise caution

Focuses on the action of taking precautions.

be on the lookout

Conveys active searching and anticipation of potential threats or problems.

keep an eye out

Similar to "be on the lookout" but slightly more informal.

watch out

A brief exclamation of warning or caution.

be aware

Emphasizes consciousness of surroundings or potential threats.

FAQs

How can I use "keep vigilant" in a sentence?

You can use "keep vigilant" to advise someone to stay alert and watchful. For example, "We must "remain vigilant" against potential threats."

What are some alternatives to "keep vigilant"?

Alternatives include "stay alert", ""remain vigilant"", or "keep a close watch", depending on the desired tone and context.

Is it better to say "keep vigilant" or "remain vigilant"?

Both "keep vigilant" and ""remain vigilant"" are correct. "Remain vigilant" may be perceived as slightly more formal.

What does "keep vigilant" mean?

"Keep vigilant" means to maintain a state of alertness and watchfulness, particularly against potential dangers or problems. Similar phrases include "stay alert" and "be on the lookout".