strict surveillance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strict surveillance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where monitoring is done rigorously or with high levels of control. Example: "The government has implemented strict surveillance measures to ensure public safety in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Bao is now under strict surveillance — not house arrest.

The New York Times

Control Level Diagnosis: Medium priority: should be kept under strict surveillance.

Columbia University

The authorities knew that I had been born in China and I was under strict surveillance.

The Guardian

"I was under very strict surveillance, the police watched me very closely," Ms. Zaidi said.

The New York Times

Even in Syria, their families are kept under strict surveillance, they said.

The Guardian

Otto fell insane in 1872 and, from 1880 onward, had to be kept under strict surveillance.

Britannica

As a result, he and his wife were under strict surveillance, constantly harassed by the ubiquitous security police.

University of California, Berkeley

They were known to the security services, to the extent that they had once been placed under strict surveillance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Germany most wanted the debt brakes and strict surveillance of other euro zone governments, with tough punishment for violators.

The New York Times

Dozens have been injured and many detained by the police, who have put the town under strict surveillance, residents said.

The New York Times

But reports by others indicate that monasteries and other gathering places have been placed under strict surveillance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the level of security or control in a particular setting, use "strict surveillance" to convey a sense of rigorous monitoring and enforcement. For example, "The suspect was placed under "strict surveillance" to prevent any further incidents".

Common error

Avoid using "strict surveillance" when describing general awareness or observation without active control or intervention. "Awareness" implies a broader sense of knowing, while "strict surveillance" implies directed observation and control.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "strict surveillance" is typically as a noun phrase acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., "under "strict surveillance"") or as a complement. This usage indicates a state or condition of being closely monitored, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strict surveillance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a state of being closely monitored. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, with a neutral formality level. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects active control and directed observation, distinguishing it from general awareness. Alternatives such as "close monitoring" or "rigorous oversight" can provide subtle shifts in emphasis, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close monitoring

Focuses more on the act of observing closely, less on the controlling aspect.

careful observation

Focuses on the attentiveness and precision in the observation.

intense observation

Emphasizes the level of focus and detail in the observation.

stringent monitoring

Emphasizes the strictness and demanding nature of the monitoring.

rigorous oversight

Highlights the thoroughness and meticulousness of the supervisory process.

tight control

Focuses more on the restrictive and controlling aspects.

vigilant watch

Implies a state of alertness and readiness to respond to any issues.

constant scrutiny

Suggests continuous and critical examination.

heavy policing

Emphasizes law enforcement and security measures.

intensive supervision

Highlights the detailed and involved nature of the supervision.

FAQs

What does "strict surveillance" mean?

"Strict surveillance" refers to a state of being closely and carefully watched, usually by authorities, with the intent to control or prevent certain actions.

How can I use "strict surveillance" in a sentence?

You might say, "The political dissidents were kept under "strict surveillance" by the government" or "The construction site is under "strict surveillance" to prevent theft".

What are some alternatives to "strict surveillance"?

Alternatives include "close monitoring", "intense observation", or "rigorous oversight" depending on the specific context.

Is "strict surveillance" the same as "close monitoring"?

While similar, "strict surveillance" often implies a higher level of control and enforcement than "close monitoring", which may simply refer to careful observation.