keep wary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep wary" is not correct in standard English; the correct expression is "keep wary of" or "stay wary." You can use it when advising someone to remain cautious or alert about a particular situation or person.
Example: "As you navigate this new environment, keep wary of potential pitfalls that could arise."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They also had to keep wary, as all Cubans do, of the secret police, given the regime's attitude toward private property and enterprise in general.

The New York Times

* Delegates keep wary eye on Hurricane Isaac.

Huffington Post

So keep wary, because not all girls are looking for a love, or a genuine relationship.

WikiHow

Now Mr. Obama should strongly encourage Turkey to mend relations with Israel, so that the two countries can covertly and overtly help each other keep wary eyes on Iran, Syria and other shared concerns.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Not so much by the decor – the yellow cables and naked bulbs, the exposed brickwork – but by the carving up of space so that actors dominate the audience and characters are split apart from each other and kept wary.

The Guardian

I'd keep a wary eye on both of them.

The New York Times

The idea is to keep opponents wary and away.

The Guardian

Investors should keep a wary eye on this self-denial and lack of contrition.

The New York Times

While joint bosses keep a wary eye on one another, someone else may be steering the tandem.

The Economist

He will no longer have to keep a wary eye on his right flank, particularly over judicial appointments.

The Economist

Little tractors and baggage carts zip around us like deerflies as we keep a wary eye out for approaching Airbuses.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct phrase "keep wary of" or "stay wary of" to ensure grammatical accuracy. For example, "Keep wary of individuals offering unsolicited help."

Common error

A common mistake is to omit the preposition "of" after "keep wary". Remember, it should always be "keep wary of" to properly convey caution towards something or someone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep wary" is typically intended to function as a verb phrase, aiming to express the act of maintaining caution or vigilance. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect without the preposition "of".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the intention behind the phrase "keep wary" is clear – to advise caution – it is grammatically incomplete. Ludwig AI indicates that the correct usage is "keep wary of". This is crucial for effective communication. When aiming to express vigilance, ensure you include the preposition "of" to maintain grammatical correctness. Alternatives such as "remain cautious" or "stay vigilant" can also be considered. Remember to avoid the common error of omitting "of" to prevent misinterpretation. Maintaining awareness of proper usage ensures clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain cautious

Emphasizes a continuous state of caution, differing from a specific action of keeping wary.

stay vigilant

Focuses on being alert and watchful, implying a proactive stance in maintaining awareness.

be on guard

Suggests readiness for potential threats or danger, highlighting a defensive posture.

exercise caution

Highlights the act of applying careful judgment to avoid risks, differing from simply remaining wary.

maintain vigilance

Stresses the importance of continuously upholding a state of alertness and watchfulness.

keep a close watch

Emphasizes careful observation, shifting the focus from a general state of wariness to specific monitoring.

be circumspect

Implies prudence and careful consideration of circumstances, which is more proactive than being wary.

keep an eye out

Suggests watching for something specific, which is a narrower focus than general wariness.

be attentive

Focuses on paying close attention, rather than specifically implying suspicion or wariness.

keep perspective

Focuses on maintaining a balanced and objective view, which differs significantly from remaining wary.

FAQs

What does it mean to "keep wary of" something?

To "keep wary of" something means to remain cautious and alert about potential dangers or problems associated with it. It suggests maintaining a watchful attitude to avoid negative consequences.

What can I say instead of "keep wary of"?

You can use alternatives like "remain cautious", "stay vigilant", or "be on guard" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "keep wary" or "keep wary of"?

"Keep wary" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "keep wary of", which means to be cautious or alert about something.

Is "keeping wary" the same as "being careful"?

While both suggest caution, "keeping wary of" implies a sense of alertness and suspicion regarding potential threats, whereas "being careful" suggests a more general approach to avoiding mistakes or accidents.