kept watch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept watch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of observing or monitoring something or someone over a period of time. Example: "The guard kept watch over the entrance throughout the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sgt. Anton Waterman kept watch.

The New York Times

Two squads of police officers kept watch.

The New York Times

All the while, Jordanian bodyguards kept watch.

The Guardian

A dozen police officers kept watch.

The New York Times

Richard kept watch over Heinrich's dead body all night.

The Economist

During the flight, the crew kept watch over me.

The New York Times

Mr. Lopez, 23, kept watch in the night.

The New York Times

Boys and girls were segregated, and trained supervisors kept watch.

The New York Times - Books

The sun was shining and the Liver Birds kept watch.

The Guardian

As he talked, Mr. Sutcliffe kept watch on the sky.

The New York Times - Travel

While Adams worked, Scott's older sisters kept watch.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept watch" when you want to emphasize sustained vigilance or observation over a period. Consider the context to decide if a more specific verb like "patrolled", "monitored", or "guarded" would be more appropriate.

Common error

While "kept watch" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal contexts where more precise language would improve clarity. For example, instead of saying "The analyst kept watch on the market trends", consider "The analyst monitored the market trends" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept watch" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the act of observing or monitoring something over a period of time. Ludwig AI identifies its common use in describing surveillance or guardianship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Huffington Post

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept watch" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of observing or monitoring something vigilantly. Ludwig AI confirms that it's widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider more precise alternatives in formal writing to enhance clarity. When using "kept watch", remember to convey sustained attention and proactive guarding. The authoritative sources and frequency of use underscore its relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained vigilance

Focuses on the act of staying alert and attentive, implying a continuous effort to prevent potential danger or problems.

remained vigilant

Similar to 'maintained vigilance', but suggests a sustained state of alertness over a period.

stood guard

Emphasizes the physical act of protecting a place or person, often associated with military or security contexts.

monitored closely

Highlights the act of tracking and observing something carefully, often in a technical or scientific context.

kept under surveillance

Highlights the use of technology or other methods to systematically monitor someone or something.

observed attentively

Focuses on careful and detailed observation, often implying a sense of curiosity or investigation.

patrolled the area

Describes the act of regularly moving around an area to ensure its security.

supervise carefully

Emphasizes the responsibility of overseeing and directing activities with close attention to detail.

surveyed the scene

Suggests a broad overview and assessment of a situation or location.

shadowed discreetly

Implies following someone secretly and unobtrusively.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept watch" to describe someone or something that is observing or guarding a place or person. For example, "The security guard "kept watch" over the building all night."

What are some alternatives to "kept watch"?

Some alternatives to "kept watch" include "stood guard", "remained vigilant", and "monitored closely". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "kept watch" formal or informal?

"Kept watch" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "maintained surveillance".

What is the difference between "kept watch" and "watched"?

"Watched" simply means to look at something, while "kept watch" implies a more sustained and intentional act of observation, often with the purpose of guarding or protecting something.