keeping a close eye

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'Keeping a close eye' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone is paying special attention to something, or is monitoring something closely. Example: I am keeping a close eye on the progress of the project to make sure it is going according to plan.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's watching and keeping a close eye.

The Guardian - Sport

We're keeping a close eye on developments in this space.

The Guardian

We will be keeping a close eye on it.

The Guardian

Analysts are also keeping a close eye on Colombia.

The Guardian - Business

The committee will be keeping a close eye on it".

The Guardian - Business

Will be keeping a close eye on events from here on.

Harvard University

Brokers and landlords in the area are keeping a close eye on the development.

The New York Times

It means keeping a close eye on the weather and navigating around windy areas.

The Economist

Political activists in the state are keeping a close eye on the former governor from Massachusetts.

The New York Times

Someone is keeping a close eye on the two killers, but why?

Independent

Despite these challenges, larger manufacturers are keeping a close eye on these up-and-coming companies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping a close eye" when you want to emphasize vigilance and attentiveness towards something that requires monitoring. It's suitable for situations where potential issues need to be spotted early.

Common error

While "keeping a close eye" is widely understood, it can sound informal in certain business or academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "monitoring closely" or "observing carefully" for professional documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping a close eye" functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a verbal phrase that describes the act of attentively monitoring something. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various scenarios, emphasizing vigilance and awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeping a close eye" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey vigilance and attentiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and informal communication. While primarily neutral in tone, it can be considered slightly informal for highly formal or scientific writing, where alternatives like "monitoring closely" or "observing carefully" may be more appropriate. Remember to use it to emphasize active observation and preparedness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitoring closely

Focuses specifically on the act of monitoring, implying a systematic and ongoing observation.

watching attentively

Emphasizes the attentiveness and focus of the observation.

observing carefully

Highlights the care and precision involved in the observation.

keeping watch

Implies a sense of duty or responsibility in observing.

paying close attention

Stresses the focus and importance given to the observation.

scrutinizing carefully

Indicates a more critical and detailed examination.

tracking diligently

Focuses on the act of tracking something over time with persistence.

supervising vigilantly

Implies a role of oversight and ensuring proper conduct or progress.

overseeing attentively

Focuses on the act of overseeing with careful attention to detail.

maintaining surveillance

Suggests a formal or covert observation, often for security purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "keeping a close eye" in a sentence?

You can use "keeping a close eye" to describe the act of monitoring something closely. For example, "The company is keeping a close eye on the new regulations".

What are some alternatives to "keeping a close eye"?

Alternatives include "monitoring closely", "watching attentively", or "observing carefully". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "keeping a close eye"?

While grammatically correct, "keeping a close eye" might be too informal for certain formal or academic contexts. In those cases, a more formal alternative might be preferable.

What does "keeping a close eye" imply?

"Keeping a close eye" implies a sense of vigilance and attentiveness. It suggests that someone is not just passively observing, but actively monitoring for potential issues or changes.