to monitor

USAGE SUMMARY

"to monitor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the activity of keeping someone or something under careful observation, or to measure and record something over a period of time. Example: The company has put systems in place to monitor employee performance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is hard to monitor".

The New York Times

Police have to monitor them!

The New York Times

To monitor: Election results.

The New Yorker

"Who is there to monitor them?

The New York Times

This was designed to monitor selected computers".

The New York Times

"We'll continue to monitor the weather.

The New York Times

His doctors continue to monitor him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some use satellite images to monitor crops.

The Economist

We have just got to monitor him".

Independent

We'll invite international observers to monitor.

The New York Times

Doctors will continue to monitor the wound.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to monitor" when you want to emphasize the act of regularly checking on the status or progress of something. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to monitor" when you actually mean "to control". "To monitor" implies observation, while "to control" implies direct influence and management. For instance, you might "monitor" a patient's heart rate but "control" the dosage of medication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to monitor" primarily functions as an infinitive verb indicating the action of observing or tracking something over time. It describes the purpose or intention behind an action, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to monitor" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of observing or tracking something over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. It is particularly common in News & Media sources, but is also seen in Wiki and Science contexts. When writing, remember to use it to emphasize regular checking and be mindful not to confuse it with "to control". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "to monitor" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to keep track of

Focuses on maintaining awareness of something's progress or status.

to keep an eye on

Emphasizes vigilance and observation.

to observe

Highlights the act of watching something closely.

to supervise

Implies overseeing and directing activities.

to oversee

Suggests a broader responsibility for managing something.

to watch over

Implies protection and care while observing.

to follow

Focuses on tracking the movement or development of something.

to keep under surveillance

Emphasizes secretive or discreet observation.

to inspect

Focuses on a detailed examination.

to scrutinize

Implies a very critical and detailed examination.

FAQs

How can I use "to monitor" in a sentence?

You can use "to monitor" in a sentence to describe the act of observing or tracking something. For example, "The doctor uses a device to monitor the patient's vital signs".

What are some alternatives I can use instead of "to monitor"?

You can use alternatives like "to keep track of", "to observe", or "to supervise", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "monitoring of" instead of "to monitor"?

Yes, "monitoring of" is also correct, but it functions as a noun phrase. For example, instead of "We need to monitor the situation", you could say "The monitoring of the situation is crucial".

What's the difference between "to monitor" and "to evaluate"?

"To monitor" means to observe and check the progress or quality of something over a period of time, while "to evaluate" means to assess or determine the significance, worth, or condition of something. You might "to monitor" a student's progress throughout the semester and then "to evaluate" their overall performance at the end.