watch the time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "watch the time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to remind someone to pay attention to the amount of time they have spent on a task, or if a timeframe is approaching. For example, "Let's be sure to watch the time -- our deadline is in two hours!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Watch the Time - How much information can be included within the time allotment?

Yale University

Watch the Time Out Make Music page for a full schedule.

The New Yorker

I could sit and watch the time while wearing my Grumpy Loafer Slippers, noted for their "handsome suede accents".

The New Yorker

Completely engrossing, take it on some long train or coach journeys, and watch the time fly by.

The Guardian - Books

Identical red-headed twins, the boys come blazing across the finish to startled spectators who watch the time clock in disbelief.

The New York Times - Sports

More than 2 million viewers travelled back in time to see the origins of Doctor Who in BBC2 drama An Adventure in Space and Time while nearly 700,000 tuned into BBC4 to watch the Time Lord's first-ever adventure from 1963.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

(Watch the time-capsule video).

The New Yorker

Young Lamont would watch the time-travelling comedy every day before school from the age of eight until 11.

The Guardian - Film

Watch the Times video below.

The New York Times

Watch the Times video below of Paul Ryan, speaker of the House, announcing his retirement.

The New York Times

But he turned his cellphone off, watching the time carefully.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions or managing a schedule, use "watch the time" to ensure everyone is aware of the remaining or allotted time, promoting efficiency and preventing delays.

Common error

Avoid using "watch the time" passively. It isn't merely about observing time pass, but rather actively managing tasks and schedules in relation to the clock. Instead of just letting time slip by, use the phrase to prompt action and maintain focus on deadlines or time constraints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "watch the time" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to be mindful and aware of the passing of time. Ludwig AI confirms this with its variety of examples, showcasing how it's often used to manage schedules, meet deadlines, or monitor activity duration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "watch the time" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that serves as a prompt for temporal awareness. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news, wikis, and academic settings. When you want to advise someone to be mindful of deadlines, manage schedules, or simply keep track of how long they've been doing something, "watch the time" is your go-to phrase. Remember, it's not merely about passive observation but active management. Alternatives such as "keep track of time", "be mindful of the time", and "monitor the duration" can provide nuanced options for expressing temporal awareness. With these insights, you can confidently use "watch the time" and its alternatives to enhance your communication and promote timeliness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep track of time

Focuses on monitoring the progression of time, similar to being mindful of time's passage.

keep an eye on the time

Suggests a casual yet attentive approach to monitoring the time.

be mindful of the time

Highlights the importance of being aware and considerate of the time available.

pay attention to the clock

Emphasizes observing a clock to manage or be aware of the current time.

be time-conscious

Describes the state of being aware and thoughtful about the use of time.

monitor the duration

Implies actively checking how long something lasts.

track the hours

Implies recording or following the passage of hours.

observe the timescale

Refers to watching the temporal progression of an event or process.

note the timing

Focuses on observing specific instances in time rather than the continuous flow.

respect the deadline

Highlights the importance of adhering to time limits and completing tasks within specified timeframes.

FAQs

How can I use "watch the time" in a sentence?

You can use "watch the time" to advise someone to be aware of how much time is passing, such as, "We need to /s/watch+the+time, or we'll miss our flight."

What does it mean to "watch the time"?

To "watch the time" means to be aware of the current time and how it is passing. It implies a need to manage your activities accordingly and /s/keep+track+of+time.

Is there a difference between "watch the time" and "check the time"?

"Check the time" implies a single, punctual act of looking at a clock. "Watch the time" suggests a continuous awareness and /s/monitor+the+duration of time as it passes.

When is it appropriate to say "watch the time"?

It's appropriate to use "watch the time" when you want to encourage someone to be mindful of deadlines, manage their schedule, or simply be aware of how long they've been doing something, like "Please /s/be+mindful+of+the+time during the exam".