keeping a sharp eye

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping a sharp eye" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to be vigilant or watchful about something. Example: "While driving in the rain, it's important to keep a sharp eye on the road conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

On Thursday, he stood on a sunbaked stoop in O.V. keeping a sharp eye on his younger siblings and nephews.

The New York Times

Keeping a sharp eye open, John De Cicco Sr .paced the aisles periodically, tidying displays and saying hello to customers.

The New York Times

Wendy Crewson's portrayal of Susan Kane, a duplicitous United States diplomatic attaché keeping a sharp eye on Jake, gives the film's strongest performance.

The New York Times

The beachcombers wave and chitchat but, with their competitive instincts primed, they steer clear of one another's turf, keeping a sharp eye out for dots or spirals or telltale lumps in the sand.

The New York Times

Mary Rodgers Guettel and Alice Hammerstein Mathias, the daughters of the composer and the lyricist, respectively, of "South Pacific," are jointly keeping a sharp eye on the current Broadway production of the show, the first since the 1949 original.

The New Yorker

To a remarkable degree, both: Harvey Weinstein is a big Cannes presence, proclaiming his robust views on the quality of the films, and keeping a sharp eye out for acquisitions.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

And some of those states are keeping a sharper eye on movie income.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, friends say she is clearly her own woman, keeping a sharper eye on business than Mr. Gordon did, although when it came to salaries, Professor Corey cracked, "Max gave musicians jobs, and they'd still be unemployed".

The New York Times - Arts

The Wall Street investment bank grabbed the bull by the horns to see its shares soar by a third on its first day, valuing the firm at $33 billion.America's securities watchdog gave a warning that it was keeping a sharper eye on fraudulent share trading on the Internet.

The Economist

After a decade of concentrating on gathering customer assets without keeping a sharp on eye on costs, Merrill is under pressure from shareholders to show that its brokerage business can slim down and become more profitable.

The New York Times

They were also stewards at meetings, always arriving on time, working together, and keeping a sharp, good-humoured eye on the organisation and its failings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping a sharp eye" when you want to emphasize the need for vigilance and quick response to potential issues or changes. It suggests a proactive approach to observation.

Common error

While "keeping a sharp eye" is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "staying vigilant" or "remaining alert" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping a sharp eye" functions as a verb phrase indicating vigilance and careful observation. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeping a sharp eye" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to advise vigilance and careful observation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with neutral formality. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "staying vigilant" or "remaining alert" to avoid repetition. Remember to employ this phrase when you want to emphasize the need for proactive and discerning observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

staying vigilant

Emphasizes the continuous and active nature of being watchful.

being watchful

Focuses on the act of observing carefully.

remaining alert

Highlights the state of being ready to respond to potential threats or changes.

maintaining vigilance

Stresses the importance of upholding a state of attentiveness.

keeping watch

Implies a dedicated effort to observe for a specific purpose.

paying close attention

Focuses on directing one's focus and awareness.

observing carefully

Highlights the thoroughness of the observation.

monitoring closely

Suggests a systematic and regular observation.

scrutinizing carefully

Implies a detailed and critical examination.

overseeing attentively

Highlights the role of supervising with care and attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeping a sharp eye" to advise someone to be vigilant or watchful about something. For example: "While driving, it's important to keep a sharp eye on the road conditions."

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

You can use alternatives such as "staying vigilant", "being watchful", or "remaining alert" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "keeping a sharp eye" and "keeping a close eye"?

While similar, "keeping a sharp eye" implies a more proactive and discerning form of vigilance, while "keeping a close eye" suggests general attentiveness.

When is it appropriate to use "keeping a sharp eye" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "keeping a sharp eye" in situations where careful observation and quick response are necessary, such as in safety instructions, security protocols, or when monitoring a situation for potential problems.