kept vigilant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept vigilant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being alert and watchful, often in the context of being cautious or aware of potential dangers. Example: "The security team was kept vigilant throughout the night to ensure the safety of the premises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Funny Cide was fitted with a mask so steam could loosen his throat, and for weeks, Tagg and Smullen kept vigilant watch.

The New York Times - Sports

Nicholas and Alexandra kept vigilant watch over the boy, employed two sharp-eyed sailors to accompany him everywhere and commandeered an army of doctors to try to make him well.

The Guardian - Books

The package will be parked in one of the lunar libration points L4 or L5, and kept vigilant by a watch-dog orbital transfer vehicle which will push the package away in case an asteroid approaches.

Energy

I kept vigilant.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Using no computer controls means sleeping here to keep vigilant watch on the production temperatures through the frigid winter months, after the rice harvest, when sake is produced.

The New York Times

Yes, champions of liberty should keep vigilant watch on the power of the state; but sometimes they should also be reassured by it.

The Guardian

And the rest of us, especially the media, would have to keep vigilant watch, so we could sound the alarm before an irrevocable pardon is granted.

The New York Times

Volunteers from the charity Missing People were out in force on Lendal Bridge and in the main shopping areas of York today, asking the public to keep vigilant and distributing Miss Roberts' picture.

Independent

Veridian Dynamics is an amoral, tyrannical corporation that forces employees to work nights, weekends and major holidays and keeps vigilant track of their personal phone calls and coffee-creamer quotas.

The New York Times - Arts

The same was true in Atlanta, where Kathy T. Huggins, a spokeswoman for the George Emergency Management Agency, said, "Basically, people were on high alert anyway, and this is just a heads-up to keep vigilant".

The New York Times

Gene Dziak, the emergency management official for Pennsylvania's largely rural Wyoming County, said that "people who live next to creeks and streams need to keep vigilant, with their heads on a swivel," and get to the county's shelter if they see signs of trouble.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept vigilant" to describe sustained watchfulness over a period, particularly when emphasizing continuous attention to potential threats or problems. For example, "The team "kept vigilant" watch throughout the project's duration."

Common error

Avoid using ""kept vigilant"" to describe a one-time act of being alert; instead, reserve it for scenarios where watchfulness is maintained continuously over time. To describe a single act of alertness, choose words like "noticed" or "observed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept vigilant" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the act of maintaining a state of alertness and watchfulness. The examples provided by Ludwig show this usage in contexts where ongoing attention is required.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept vigilant" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of maintaining watchfulness or alertness, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, its use is appropriate in various contexts, especially within News & Media and Science domains. Synonyms like "remained watchful" and "stayed alert" provide alternatives, although "kept vigilant" specifically implies a sustained effort. Therefore, when writing, ensure the phrase reflects continuous attention to potential issues. Though the examples are limited, the phrase is confirmed as a valid way to describe prolonged states of alertness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Remained watchful

Emphasizes the continuation of watchfulness, differing from "kept vigilant" by focusing on the state rather than the action of maintaining it.

Stayed alert

Highlights the maintenance of alertness, with a slight shift in emphasis from active vigilance to a sustained state of readiness.

Maintained vigilance

Focuses on the sustained effort to be vigilant, differing slightly from "kept vigilant" in its emphasis on the ongoing nature of the action.

Preserved watchfulness

Highlights the preservation of a state of watchfulness, suggesting a more proactive effort than simply "kept vigilant".

Held a watchful eye

Shifts the focus to the act of watching closely, implying attentiveness and careful observation, unlike the broader sense of being vigilant.

Stood guard

Implies a more formal or assigned duty of vigilance, particularly in a protective or defensive context, unlike the general sense of "kept vigilant".

Remained on the lookout

Specifies that the vigilance is directed towards detecting something specific, differing from the more general watchfulness implied by "kept vigilant".

Kept a close watch

Emphasizes the intensity and thoroughness of the observation, with a closer attentiveness compared to the general watchfulness of "kept vigilant".

Held surveillance

Suggests a more systematic and often covert observation, typically for security or investigative purposes, differentiating it from the general sense of vigilance.

Exercised caution

Focuses on acting carefully to avoid danger, whereas "kept vigilant" suggests a state of alert awareness to potential threats.

FAQs

What does ""kept vigilant"" mean?

The phrase ""kept vigilant"" means to maintain a state of watchfulness and alertness, often in anticipation of potential danger or problems. It implies an ongoing effort to remain observant.

How can I use ""kept vigilant"" in a sentence?

You can use ""kept vigilant"" in sentences like: "The guards "kept vigilant" throughout the night." or "We "kept vigilant" watch for any signs of trouble."

Are there any synonyms for ""kept vigilant""?

Yes, some synonyms for ""kept vigilant"" include "remained watchful", "stayed alert", and "maintained vigilance".

Is it more common to say ""kept vigilant"" or "remained vigilant"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "remained vigilant" may be slightly more common in contemporary usage. However, the best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.