remain alert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain alert" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to remind or advise someone to pay attention to what is happening or what is being said. For example, you might write: "The changing situation requires us to remain alert for any emerging risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I remain alert.

The New Yorker

I repeat, I remain alert".

The New Yorker

And to remain alert, of course.

The New York Times

Tornadoes are possible, and residents are asked to remain alert.

Independent

And we ask for citizens to remain alert".

The New York Times

Women of my age need to remain alert.

The Guardian

To be sure, there are reasons to remain alert.

The New York Times - Travel

"We need to remain alert, without breaking into panic".

The New York Times

-- Pat Summitt plays games and puzzles on her iPad to help her remain alert.

The New York Times

But we remain alert for other long-ago jingles to creep into police parlance.

The New York Times

Sometimes, Davies said, he did not remain alert when the ball drifted from him.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remain alert" when you want to emphasize the ongoing need for vigilance, especially in situations where conditions might change unexpectedly.

Common error

Avoid using "remain alert" in everyday, informal situations. It can sound overly formal or even alarming. Opt for more casual alternatives like "pay attention" or "be aware" in less serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain alert" functions as a directive, urging individuals to maintain a state of heightened awareness and readiness. According to Ludwig, it's often used to advise or remind someone to pay attention to ongoing events or potential dangers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remain alert" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that encourages vigilance and preparedness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While generally neutral to formal, it's best suited for situations where continuous awareness is crucial. Alternatives include "stay vigilant" or "keep watch", but avoid overusing "remain alert" in casual conversations to prevent sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay vigilant

Focuses on maintaining watchfulness over a period.

be vigilant

Similar to "stay vigilant" but without the sense of duration.

be watchful

Focuses on being observant and ready to act.

keep watch

Emphasizes the act of observing for potential threats or changes.

be on the lookout

Highlights actively searching for something specific.

keep an eye out

Indicates looking out for something specific that might appear.

stay attentive

Implies paying close attention to details and surroundings.

maintain awareness

Focuses on preserving a state of consciousness and understanding.

pay attention

Highlights the importance of focusing one's mental effort.

exercise caution

Suggests acting with care and prudence.

FAQs

How can I use "remain alert" in a sentence?

You can use "remain alert" to advise someone to pay attention, as in: "Residents are asked to "remain alert" for potential flood warnings".

What are some alternatives to "remain alert"?

Some alternatives to "remain alert" include "stay vigilant", "keep watch", or "be on the lookout". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "remain alert" or "stay alert"?

Both "remain alert" and "stay alert" are correct and often interchangeable. "Remain alert" might suggest a more prolonged or continuous state of vigilance, while "stay alert" can imply immediate attention. However, the difference is subtle.

When is it appropriate to use "remain alert"?

Use "remain alert" in situations where vigilance is crucial, such as during emergencies, in security contexts, or when advising someone to be cautious about potential risks. In formal settings, "remain alert" is frequently observed.