keeping watch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping watch" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of monitoring or observing something or someone for a period of time. It can also have a more literal meaning, such as physically standing guard or keeping a lookout. Example: The security guard stood on the rooftop, keeping watch over the busy street below.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Security keeping watch.

The New York Times

Thank you for keeping watch".

Independent

The doormen are keeping watch.

The New York Times

It is worth keeping watch.

The Economist

Is he still keeping watch?

The New York Times

It is certainly worth keeping watch.

The Economist

Some recruiters are keeping watch lists of troubled hedge funds.

The New York Times

Ariel's parents were keeping watch at her bedside, Brown said.

The Washington Post

Tradition calls for keeping watch over the matzo from the time the wheat is milled.

The New York Times

'My slave owner doing work in her office, keeping watch on those pesky hotdog workers.

Independent

The FBI has 15,000 registered informants, many of them keeping watch on Muslim communities.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping watch" to convey active monitoring or guarding, particularly when there is an expectation of potential threats or changes. For example, "The border patrol is always "keeping watch" for illegal crossings".

Common error

Avoid using "keeping watch" in overly passive or convoluted sentences. Instead of saying "The area was being kept watch by the guards", opt for "The guards were "keeping watch" over the area" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping watch" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun within a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes the act of observing or monitoring something, often with a sense of vigilance or protection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keeping watch" is a versatile gerund phrase widely used to describe the act of observing, monitoring, or guarding something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. This guide has explored its linguistic function, communicative purpose, and register, highlighting its suitability for conveying a sense of alertness and readiness. Alternatives like "maintaining surveillance" or "standing guard" offer nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its usage and common errors, writers can effectively incorporate "keeping watch" into their vocabulary to express vigilance and active observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeping an eye on

A more informal way of saying watching or observing.

maintaining surveillance

Focuses on the systematic observation of a place or person, often for security or investigative purposes.

monitoring the situation

Highlights the continuous observation and assessment of circumstances or events.

standing guard

Emphasizes the act of protecting a place or person from potential threats.

observing carefully

Stresses the attentiveness and detail-oriented nature of the observation.

on the lookout

Suggests actively searching for something or someone, often in anticipation of an event.

remaining vigilant

Highlights the need for alertness and readiness to respond to potential dangers.

staying alert

Emphasizes a state of readiness and awareness of surroundings.

patrolling the area

Refers to the act of regularly moving through an area to ensure safety and security.

supervising closely

Implies a more managerial role in overseeing and guiding activities.

FAQs

How can I use "keeping watch" in a sentence?

"Keeping watch" is used to describe the act of observing, monitoring, or guarding something. For example, "The security team is "keeping watch" over the building at night".

What are some alternatives to "keeping watch"?

Some alternatives to "keeping watch" include "maintaining surveillance", "standing guard", or "monitoring the situation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "keeping watch" or "maintaining watch"?

Both "keeping watch" and "maintain watch" are acceptable, but "keeping watch" is more common and idiomatic. "Maintain watch" might be preferred in more formal or technical contexts.

What is the difference between "keeping watch" and "observing"?

"Keeping watch" implies a focused and often protective observation, whereas "observing" is a more general term for noticing or perceiving something. "Keeping watch" suggests an active role in guarding or monitoring.