remain vigilant

USAGE SUMMARY

"remain vigilant" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You would use it when you want to emphasize that someone should stay alert and aware. For example, "The police have warned citizens to remain vigilant in the face of increased crime in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leaders remain vigilant.

Independent

But we remain vigilant.

The Guardian

"We must remain vigilant.

The Guardian

"But we will remain vigilant".

The New York Times

Cyclists, too, must remain vigilant.

The New York Times - Sports

"But we must remain vigilant".

The New Yorker

He wanted to remain vigilant.

The New Yorker

We have to remain vigilant.

The Guardian

We must and we will remain vigilant".

Independent

You should remain vigilant at all times.

Independent

Residents need to remain vigilant, he says.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remain vigilant" when you want to emphasize the ongoing need for caution and alertness, especially in situations where threats may not be immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "remain vigilant" in everyday, low-stakes situations. It is best reserved for scenarios involving genuine risk or potential danger, as overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain vigilant" primarily functions as a directive, urging individuals or groups to maintain a state of heightened awareness and caution. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from public safety announcements to cybersecurity warnings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain vigilant" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to urge caution and sustained alertness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly those involving potential risks. While alternatives like "stay alert" and "be watchful" offer similar meanings, "remain vigilant" carries a slightly more formal tone. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where genuine risk exists to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be watchful

A simple, direct synonym emphasizing the act of watching carefully.

stay alert

This alternative uses more direct and concise language to convey the same meaning.

be on guard

This implies a state of readiness and defense against potential threats.

keep watch

This option suggests maintaining surveillance or observation.

keep a sharp eye

This phrase uses more figurative language to suggest careful observation.

be on the lookout

This phrase emphasizes actively searching for potential threats or problems.

maintain awareness

This highlights the importance of being conscious and informed about one's surroundings.

stay attentive

Emphasizes focusing one's attention and noticing important details.

exercise caution

Focuses on taking preventive measures and avoiding risks.

observe keenly

This alternative emphasizes the intensity and detail of the observation.

FAQs

How to use "remain vigilant" in a sentence?

You can use "remain vigilant" to advise someone to stay alert and cautious. For example: "Authorities urged residents to "remain vigilant" after a series of break-ins."

What can I say instead of "remain vigilant"?

You can use alternatives like "stay alert", "be watchful", or "be on the lookout" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "stay vigilant" instead of "remain vigilant"?

Yes, "stay vigilant" is a perfectly acceptable and often more concise alternative to "remain vigilant". Both convey the same meaning of maintaining alertness.

What is the nuance between "remain vigilant" and "be careful"?

"Remain vigilant" implies a sustained state of alertness and readiness, often in response to a specific threat or concern. "Be careful", on the other hand, is a more general exhortation to avoid harm or mistakes in any situation.