watch over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "watch over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of monitoring or taking care of someone or something, often in a protective manner. Example: "As a parent, it's important to watch over your children to ensure their safety and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anne watch over me".

The New Yorker

— to watch over sweet little Shirley Temple.

The New Yorker

"A lot of them I only pretend to watch over".

The New Yorker

Nobody can watch over what you are doing.

WikiHow

Please watch over us!

The New York Times

Watch over yourself!

The New Yorker

"You'll watch over me?" "Yes".

The New Yorker

Who will watch over it?

The New York Times

Watch over me.

The New York Times

Wood ants watch over them protectively.

The New York Times

"They protect and watch over your boundaries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "watch over" when you want to convey a sense of protection or guardianship. It's suitable in contexts where care and vigilance are emphasized.

Common error

Avoid using "watch over" when simply observing without any implication of protection or intervention. Instead, use "watch" or "observe" in those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "watch over" functions as a phrasal verb, acting as a verb phrase to describe the action of guarding, protecting, or supervising someone or something. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use to convey a sense of protection or care.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "watch over" is a common and correct phrasal verb used to express protection or supervision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's typically used to describe monitoring or caring for someone or something, often in a protective manner. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where actual guardianship is intended, rather than simple observation. It appears frequently in news media, offering a neutral tone suitable for broad audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep an eye on

Focuses more on general observation rather than active protection.

look after

Emphasizes care and responsibility for someone or something.

supervise

Implies authority and oversight, often in a formal setting.

guard

Suggests a more active role in defending against potential threats.

protect

Highlights the act of shielding from harm or danger.

oversee

Implies a broader scope of responsibility and management.

shepherd

Suggests guiding and caring for a group, like a flock.

be vigilant of

Highlights the need for alertness and watchfulness.

mind

Simple form to denote caution.

patrol

Suggests a regular and systematic surveillance.

FAQs

How can I use "watch over" in a sentence?

You can use "watch over" to express the act of guarding or protecting someone or something. For example, "May God "watch over" you", or "The angels "watch over" them both".

What is a good alternative to "watch over"?

Good alternatives to "watch over" include "look after", "keep an eye on", or "protect depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is it correct to say "watches over" instead of "watch over"?

Yes, "watches over" is the correct third-person singular present tense form. For example, "He "watches over" his younger brother".

When is it appropriate to use "watch over" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "watch over" when you want to convey a sense of guardianship, protection, or care. It's often used in contexts involving children, loved ones, or things of value.