watchful of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "watchful of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is attentive or vigilant about something or someone. Example: "She was always watchful of her surroundings, ensuring her children were safe while playing outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are you pretty watchful of your diet and workout routine?

The New York Times

I would say I'm most watchful of my carb intake.

The New York Times

In European emergencies Mrs Merkel has been watchful of German treasure and national prerogatives.

The Economist

His life was austere, disciplined and watchful of the hand of providence.

The Economist

An important lesson is to be very watchful of opponents using that one.

The Guardian - Tech

A. One of the things we are watchful of is general economic conditions.

The New York Times

Republicans, of course, are more watchful of Virginia and New Jersey than they let on.

The New York Times

Wall Street was watchful of fallout stemming from Argentina's deepening political and economic morass.

The New York Times

Facebook users should be very watchful of what they put online and enable as many privacy settings as possible.

The New York Times

"You have to be watchful of what is happening," said Bill Burton, a spokesman for Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

The New York Times

Tell us: do you think there's a "slippery slope" women must be watchful of as they get older?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "watchful of" to convey a sense of vigilance and active attention, particularly when highlighting a need to protect or monitor something valuable.

Common error

Avoid using "watchful of" when a more passive state of awareness is intended. Opt for "aware of" or "conscious of" when proactive monitoring isn't the primary focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "watchful of" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of vigilance or attentiveness. It suggests an active awareness and a readiness to respond to potential issues or changes as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

17%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "watchful of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase that indicates vigilance, attentiveness, and active awareness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media, scientific articles, and formal business contexts, serving to emphasize the importance of careful observation and protection. Alternatives like "observant of", "mindful of", and "attentive to" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. To ensure accurate usage, remember that "watchful of" implies a proactive stance, distinguishing it from more passive states of awareness. Pay particular attention to the context to be able to use the phrase accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observant of

Implies a keen ability to notice details and pay attention to surroundings, similar to being watchful but with a focus on observation.

mindful of

Highlights awareness and consideration, suggesting a deliberate focus on something's importance or impact.

attentive to

Indicates active listening and responsiveness, focusing on providing care or assistance.

vigilant about

Stresses a heightened state of alert and preparedness, often in response to potential danger or threats.

aware of

Denotes a general understanding or knowledge, differing from watchful by lacking a sense of proactive attention.

cautious of

Emphasizes prudence and risk avoidance, highlighting the need to be careful to prevent harm.

alert to

Implies a quick recognition of potential issues or dangers, focusing on the readiness to react.

heedful of

Stresses paying close attention to advice or warnings, emphasizing obedience and respect.

circumspect about

Highlights caution and careful consideration, often in social or political contexts to avoid mistakes.

regardful of

Emphasizes having consideration for someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "watchful of" in a sentence?

The phrase "watchful of" is used to describe being vigilant and attentive towards something or someone. For instance, "Parents are often "watchful of" their children's safety."

What are some alternatives to "watchful of"?

Alternatives include "observant of", "mindful of", or "attentive to", each carrying slightly different nuances related to attention and awareness.

Is it correct to say "watchful for" instead of "watchful of"?

While both prepositions can be used, "watchful of" is generally used to indicate being attentive to something specific, whereas "watchful for" implies looking out for something that might happen or appear.

What is the difference between "watchful of" and "aware of"?

"Watchful of" implies a proactive and vigilant attitude, whereas "aware of" simply means having knowledge or consciousness about something without necessarily taking action or being particularly vigilant.