watch list

USAGE SUMMARY

"watch list" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a list of items or people that are being monitored for a specific purpose. For example: "The security team maintains a watch list of known criminals who are no longer allowed in the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We are not on any watch list".

The New York Times

"He's definitely on our watch list".

The New York Times

He should be on a watch list.

The Washington Post

Put her on your artists-under-25 watch list.

The New York Times - Arts

FBI says not on any kind of watch list.

The New York Times

What other retailers are on your watch list?

Columbia University

Wada had placed meldonium on its watch list for 2015.

The Guardian - Sport

In 2001, Antigua was removed from the financial watch list.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Track events of interest with a personal watch-list.

Cornell University

They are not told their watch-list status.

The Washington Post

'Hippy thinking' is obviously not on the watch-list.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When creating a "watch list", clearly define the criteria for inclusion to ensure consistency and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "watch list" when you mean "wish list". A "watch list" involves monitoring, while a "wish list" is a collection of desired items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "watch list" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It designates a list of entities or items that are subject to monitoring or observation, as exemplified by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

21%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "watch list" is a common noun phrase that refers to a list of items or entities under surveillance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very frequently used in a variety of contexts, most prominently in news and media, but also in academic and scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the criteria for inclusion are well-defined, and avoid confusing it with similar-sounding phrases like "wish list". As identified through this analysis, authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes frequently employ the phrase, attesting to its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monitoring list

Replaces "watch" with "monitoring", emphasizing the act of keeping track.

tracking list

Focuses on the act of following something's progress or location.

target list

Similar to "hit list", but can be used in a neutral or business context.

hit list

Implies a list of targets, often with negative connotations.

danger list

Refers to a list of items, people, or places considered dangerous.

blacklist

A list of entities to be avoided or sanctioned.

cybersecurity watchlist

A list of threats that have high potential and pose an immediate risk.

concern list

Highlights items that are causes for concern.

priority list

Emphasizes items needing immediate attention.

shortlist

A list of candidates selected from a larger pool.

FAQs

How is a "watch list" used in security contexts?

In security, a "watch list" typically contains individuals or entities that are flagged for potential risks, requiring heightened surveillance. These lists are used to prevent threats such as terrorism or criminal activity.

What is the difference between a "watch list" and a "blacklist"?

A "watch list" is for monitoring potentially problematic individuals or entities, while a "blacklist" contains those already deemed untrustworthy or dangerous, often resulting in immediate restrictions.

In finance, how is a "watch list" employed?

In finance, a "watch list" contains securities or investments that an investor is monitoring for potential purchase or sale, often based on specific criteria or market conditions.

What are some alternatives to using the term "watch list"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "monitoring list", "tracking list", or "target list" to convey a similar meaning to "watch list".