remain watchful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain watchful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is advised to stay alert or vigilant about a situation or environment. Example: "As the storm approached, the residents were advised to remain watchful for any changes in the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"The public," he said, "must remain watchful and alert".

The New York Times

But he said he would remain watchful throughout the process.

The New York Times

"Retail is the component of the investment portfolio on which to remain watchful.

The Guardian - Business

"We remain watchful in India, in China and of commodity exposures more broadly," said the bank.

The Guardian

They murmur softly, chuckle self-consciously, toast to their luck in the coming adventure, but remain watchful.

The New Yorker

That is why it is important that policy makers remain watchful and ensure that Google does not abuse its power and limit competition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The animals remained watchful, however.

The Guardian

That firm has since filed for bankruptcy, but a department spokesman said it remained watchful of pension-advance products.

The New York Times

"We're remaining watchful that some of the strident words used in the aftermath of the attacks are not followed by deeds," he said.

The New York Times

Knowing that the Soviets were eager to prop up fellow communist regimes, the US remained watchful of the Kremlin's relationship with Castro.

The Guardian

(Our business manager handles the rest of our "HR" functions like administering payroll, health insurance, and 401K enrollment issues). Over the past thirteen years, I have brokered the reconciliation of some damaged relationships among colleagues, occasionally helping them through difficult medical and financial situations, and remained watchful for any unhappiness or anxiety.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "remain watchful", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject should be watching for. Providing specific details enhances the effectiveness of the advice.

Common error

While "remain watchful" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "keep an eye out" or "stay alert" to maintain a natural tone with friends and family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain watchful" functions as a directive or advisory expression. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It typically follows a verb like "must" or "should" to urge someone to maintain a state of alertness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remain watchful" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that advises vigilance and attentiveness. As Ludwig AI points out, it's appropriate in a range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register, suggesting the use of alternatives like "stay alert" or "keep an eye out" in more casual conversations. Keep in mind that being specific about what the subject needs to monitor enhances the phrase's effectiveness. Remember these points, and you'll be well-equipped to use "remain watchful" appropriately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay vigilant

This alternative emphasizes sustained alertness and readiness to detect potential dangers.

maintain vigilance

This alternative underscores the ongoing effort required to stay watchful.

keep alert

This focuses on maintaining a state of heightened awareness and responsiveness.

stay attentive

This highlights the importance of paying close attention to details and developments.

keep an eye out

This idiom suggests watching for something specific that may appear or happen.

be on the lookout

This phrase implies actively searching for something noteworthy or potentially problematic.

be on your guard

This signifies being ready to defend against potential threats or attacks.

exercise caution

This stresses the need for careful and prudent behavior in uncertain situations.

observe keenly

This highlights the act of noticing or perceiving something by using the senses.

keep under surveillance

This implies watching something closely with the intention of monitoring their behaviour.

FAQs

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

You can use "remain watchful" to advise someone to stay alert and observant, such as, "As the negotiations continue, we must "remain watchful" for any signs of bad faith".

What are some alternatives to "remain watchful"?

Some alternatives include "stay vigilant", "keep alert", and "be on the lookout". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "remain watchful" formal or informal?

"Remain watchful" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "keep an eye out" or "stay alert".

What's the difference between "remain watchful" and "remain cautious"?

"Remain watchful" implies observing and being alert to potential changes or threats. "Remain cautious", on the other hand, suggests acting with care and prudence to avoid risks. While related, watchfulness focuses on observation, and caution emphasizes careful action.