keeping vigil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping vigil" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of staying awake and watching over someone, often during a time of illness or death. Example: "The family spent the night keeping vigil by the bedside of their loved one in the hospital."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What stood out for us were two of the three categories in Keeping Vigil over the Profession: Political Vigilance and Tending the Flock.

BMC Nursing

In this paper we report on Keeping Vigil Over the Profession comprising three major contextual categories that influence how CRNAs Keep Vigil Over the Patient: Establishing Public Credibility, Political Vigilance, and Tending the Flock.

BMC Nursing

She was keeping vigil.

The New York Times

Butterfly is still keeping vigil, standing motionless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A Facebook page is keeping vigil.

The New York Times - Sports

Fifteen or twenty now, keeping vigil while I nod.

The New Yorker

About 100 unarmed volunteers were keeping vigil outside the building.

The Guardian

For some patients, there were five people keeping vigil; others awaited news alone.

The New York Times

Thousands of people keeping vigil along the roadside cheered ambulances took survivors to the nearest hospital.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Finally, we constructed a theory of nurse anaesthesia practice, Keeping Vigil comprising two major categories.

BMC Nursing

Keeping Vigil Over the Patient, which theorizes nurse anaesthesia practice and is reported elsewhere [ 1] takes place within a larger sociopolitical context, Keeping Vigil Over the Profession, presented in this paper.

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping vigil" to evoke a sense of patient watchfulness, especially in contexts involving illness, death, or significant events. The phrase adds a touch of solemnity and anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "keeping vigil" in everyday situations where simpler terms like "watching" or "waiting" would suffice. Its formal tone is best reserved for more serious or meaningful occasions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping vigil" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the action of attentively watching or guarding someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeping vigil" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the action of attentively watching or guarding. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. Its formality lends itself well to serious or significant occasions, particularly in news and media or scientific contexts. While alternatives exist, "keeping vigil" maintains a distinct solemnity. The phrase is widely understood and contributes a specific nuance to writing, particularly when conveying anticipation or concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining watch

Replaces "vigil" with "watch", focusing on the act of observing.

keeping watch

Synonymous, but slightly less formal than "keeping vigil".

standing guard

Implies a more active role in protecting or defending.

maintaining a presence

Focuses on the act of being present and observant, potentially without direct action.

maintaining surveillance

Emphasizes observation, often for security or investigative purposes.

standing sentinel

Emphasizes a formal and often solitary act of guarding.

on the lookout

Informal phrase suggesting watchfulness for something specific.

maintaining alertness

Highlights the state of being awake and aware.

keeping a look out

An informal expression indicating a state of alert.

maintaining attentiveness

Focuses on paying close attention.

FAQs

How to use "keeping vigil" in a sentence?

You can use "keeping vigil" to describe someone attentively watching over a person or situation, especially during a time of difficulty or anticipation. For example: "The family was "keeping vigil" at the hospital, awaiting news of their loved one's surgery."

What can I say instead of "keeping vigil"?

Alternatives to "keeping vigil" include "keeping watch", "standing guard", or "maintaining watch". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "keeping vigil" or "holding a vigil"?

Both "keeping vigil" and "holding a vigil" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Keeping vigil" refers to the act of watching or waiting attentively. "Holding a vigil" often refers to organizing a gathering or ceremony for a specific purpose, such as mourning or protesting.

Is "keeping vigil" formal or informal?

"Keeping vigil" is generally considered a formal phrase. It's more appropriate for serious or solemn occasions than for casual conversation. Less formal alternatives include "keeping an eye on" or "watching over".