watch

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "watch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun or a verb to refer to looking at or monitoring something, or to the object used to tell the time. For example, "I need to buy a new watch so I can keep track of the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Watch this space.

The New York Times

Watch that space.

The New York Times

Cameron checked his watch.

The Guardian

She remembered "skiving off" with Kennedy during a trip to Australia in the mid-90s to watch the film Trainspotting.

The Guardian

But watch this space.

The Economist

"Watch this".

The New York Times

That is literally the only reason that I decided to watch this trailer.

The Guardian - Film

The things I watch tend to have huge plot holes, coinciding with the stretches I've slept through.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There they abandoned the Steyr and continued on foot, sleeping in the forest and taking turns to keep watch.

The Guardian

A few thousand fans were gathered around to watch him sink a two-foot putt for a final par.

The Guardian - Sport

The northwest coastal rivers are currently the subject of a flood watch.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add style, avoid using watch constantly, change it for "observe" or "monitor".

Common error

Avoid using "watch" as a noun without sufficient context. Clarify if you're referring to a timepiece or the act of watching by providing additional details.

Linguistic Context

The word "watch" functions primarily as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it signifies the act of observing something. As a noun, it can refer to a timepiece or the act of guarding. Ludwig examples show diverse use cases.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "watch" is a versatile word functioning both as a verb and a noun, denoting observation or a timekeeping device respectively. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and very common in use, primarily within news and media contexts. When writing, using synonyms like "observe" or "monitor" can help diversify your language. Avoiding vague noun usage and ensuring correct prepositional phrases will also enhance clarity. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for various writing styles. Given its frequency and widespread application, mastering the usage of "watch" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look at

A simple and direct way to express seeing something.

keep an eye on

Indicates watching something or someone carefully, often for protection.

observe

Focuses more on careful or scientific observation.

monitor

Implies continuous observation for a specific purpose.

pay attention to

Emphasizes the mental effort involved in watching something.

view

Suggests a more passive form of observation.

witness

Implies seeing something significant or unusual happen.

behold

A more formal and literary term for watching.

scrutinize

Suggests a very close and detailed examination.

clock

Refers specifically to observing time or speed.

FAQs

How can I use "watch" in a sentence?

You can use "watch" as a verb to mean observe, as in, "I like to "watch" the sunset." As a noun, it can refer to a timepiece, for example, "I wear a "watch" on my wrist."

What are some synonyms for the verb "watch"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "watch" include "observe", "monitor", "view", or "look at".

Is it correct to say "watch to see"?

While not incorrect, it's often more concise to simply use "watch" or rephrase for clarity. For example, instead of "watch to see what happens", try "watch what happens" or "see what happens".

When should I use "watch out"?

"Watch out" is an idiomatic phrase meaning to be careful or vigilant. It's used as a warning. For instance, "Watch out! There's a car coming."