keep watch for

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep watch for' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to mean "to look out for or keep an eye on something." For example, "Police officers are keeping watch for suspicious activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

More birds means more eyes to keep watch for hawks.

The New York Times

She was hooked and began finding friends to keep watch for camouflaged prototype cars.

The New York Times

"Keep watch for the girl who will come along and ruin everything," Hadley warns herself, after the fact.

The New York Times - Books

Before schooling, one of her household duties was to keep watch for marauding tinkers coming up the field.

The Guardian - Books

Some guard chilly observation posts, where teams of soldiers keep watch for shifts as long as 48 to 72 hours.

The New York Times

Today, under a pale sky, planes were continuously catapulting off the flight deck to keep watch for a Libyan counterattack.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Keep watching for those dorsal fins.

The Economist

Just keep watching for a while.

Cornell University

Keep watching for Margaret and the comedy bum shot.

The Guardian

The first option is to keep watching for symptoms, and to perform a spinal tap if they occur.

The New York Times

"We will keep watching" for signs of sustained human-to-human transmission, Gao says, "and take a close look at every single case".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "keep watch for" to instruct someone to be vigilant and observant, especially in situations where potential threats or opportunities may arise. For example, "Keep watch for any changes in the patient's condition."

Common error

Avoid using "keep watch for" when the context requires a broader, more proactive approach than simple observation. Instead of merely "keeping watch", you may need to actively investigate or intervene.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep watch for" functions as a directive, instructing someone to maintain vigilance and be observant of potential occurrences. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from security to natural observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep watch for" is a directive to stay vigilant and observant, adaptable across various contexts from news reporting to everyday instructions. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It's often employed in situations where potential threats or opportunities may arise, prompting a proactive stance of observation. While versatile, it's important to ensure that its use aligns with the intended level of formality, opting for synonyms like "look out for" in casual settings or "maintain surveillance" in more formal ones. The phrase is widely disseminated in news and media, reflecting its relevance in informing the public about potential events and risks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep an eye out for

Offers a more casual and general sense of watching.

look out for

A more direct and immediate way of saying to watch.

be on the lookout for

Emphasizes active searching and anticipation of something specific.

be vigilant for

Highlights the need for attentiveness and caution.

stay alert to

Suggests a state of readiness to notice something.

maintain surveillance of

Implies a more formal and continuous observation.

be attentive to

Stresses the importance of giving careful attention.

monitor

Focuses on regular tracking and assessment.

observe

Focuses on careful and detailed visual examination.

patrol

Implies movement and vigilance over an area.

FAQs

How can I use "keep watch for" in a sentence?

Use "keep watch for" to advise someone to be vigilant and observant. For example, "Keep watch for any signs of trouble during the night shift."

What's a less formal alternative to "keep watch for"?

Alternatives to "keep watch for" include "look out for" or "keep an eye out for", which are more casual ways of expressing vigilance.

Which is correct: "keep watch for" or "keep a watch for"?

"Keep watch for" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Keep a watch for" is less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "keep watch for" and "monitor"?

"Keep watch for" suggests looking out for something specific, while "monitor" implies ongoing observation and tracking.