kept tabs on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept tabs on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of monitoring or keeping track of someone or something over time. Example: "She always kept tabs on her children's activities to ensure they were safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No one kept tabs on which horse made it to one end of the track first.

Vice

But at the same time, the immune system kept tabs on the brain's status; no one knew exactly how.

The Washington Post

Still, he kept tabs on her.

The New York Times

But they kept tabs on all of that, on everyone.

The Guardian

"We especially kept tabs on people with life support, oxygen tanks, people who are immobile".

The New York Times

"I kept tabs on the people that visited, and noted every little comment," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Even while their paths diverged, the cornerback kept tabs on his friend.

The New York Times - Sports

The mosquitoes kept tabs on us vigilantly everywhere we moved, indoors as well as out.

The New Yorker

He was 63, but his elderly mother still kept tabs on him.

The New York Times

Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, a co-head of William Morris's literary department, had kept tabs on him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I've kept tabs on him for several years".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept tabs on" when you want to convey consistent monitoring over a period. This phrase is suitable in contexts where tracking progress or behavior is important, but overt supervision isn't necessarily the focus.

Common error

While "kept tabs on" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "monitored" or "tracked" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept tabs on" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of monitoring someone or something over a period of time. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase signifies a deliberate act of observation and information gathering.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept tabs on" is a commonly used idiom signifying the act of monitoring or tracking something consistently over time. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, leaning toward informal, it's advisable to opt for more formal alternatives like "monitored" or "tracked" in academic or professional writing. Consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase to ensure the most appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Kept a close watch on

Indicates vigilance and attentiveness in observing someone or something.

Kept an eye on

A more casual and general way of saying someone was being watched or monitored.

Monitored closely

Implies a focused and careful observation, often suggesting a more formal or official oversight.

Followed closely

Suggests observing progress or actions, possibly with the intention of understanding or influencing.

Tracked carefully

Suggests a systematic following of progress or movement, often with data collection.

Watched over

Implies protection and care while monitoring.

Supervised closely

Suggests a formal oversight role with responsibility for the outcome.

Kept under surveillance

Implies secret or official monitoring, often associated with security or investigation.

Stayed informed about

Focuses on gathering and maintaining information rather than direct observation.

Kept up with

Implies maintaining current knowledge about a person or topic, without necessarily direct observation.

FAQs

How can I use "kept tabs on" in a sentence?

You can use "kept tabs on" to indicate that someone or something was monitored over time. For example, "The researcher "kept tabs on" the experiment's progress".

What's a more formal way to say "kept tabs on"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "monitored", "tracked", or "observed". The choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "kept tabs on" appropriate for academic writing?

While understandable, "kept tabs on" might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs like "monitored" or "analyzed" to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between ""kept tabs on"" and "watched over"?

"Kept tabs on" implies monitoring or tracking, while "watched over" suggests providing protection or care. Although, both can be similar, the context makes the difference.