watching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "watching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, typically to describe the act of observing something or someone attentively. Example: "I spent the afternoon watching the birds in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

SPOILER ALERT: This weekly blog is for those who are watching Being Human on BBC3.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Watching television and listening to the radio, I soon realised that here was a widely held sentiment: a visceral opposition to what one critic suggested we should literally call "the nanny state".

The Guardian - Opinion

But watching over a ten-minute period, the demand for pictures was mainly for Romney.

The Guardian

While many athletes are genuinely grateful to the companies that fund their training bills, there's always something unnerving about watching people sing for their supper when they're supposed to be speaking from the heart.

The Guardian - Opinion

About 500 relatives of victims are attending the ecumenical service, with hundreds more watching on large screens outside the cathedral and in a neighbouring church.

The Guardian

They've been watching the SNP's phenomenal surge since the Scottish referendum defeat last September.

The Guardian - Opinion

If everyone who usually spends their days watching The Big Bang Theory was forced out to vote by a lack of anything else to do, we'll be plunged into the nightmarish reality of a socialist government come 8 May.

The Guardian

You know that the only real alternative to watching a dozen How I Met Your Mother repeats in a row is for us to run into the streets screaming until we accidentally clatter into a polling booth.

The Guardian

Farah, who won Olympic gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m a year after joining Salazar in 2011, also insisted that he was a "100% clean athlete", but feared that some would think, after watching the BBC's Panorama programme on Wednesday night, that he is guilty by association.

The Guardian - Sport

Singing a witch doctor song, and with everybody watching, the commander then began.

The Guardian

After five hours of watching their feet as they hunted for him, he listened as they came up with a plan: they would let off a round of gunfire and tell the commander that Jean Paul had been killed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone is being observed secretly or for security purposes, consider using "monitoring" for a more precise connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "watching" when "waiting" is more appropriate. "Watching" implies observation, while "waiting" implies anticipation. For example, say "I'm waiting for the bus", not "I'm watching for the bus".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "watching" is as a present participle or gerund. It often functions as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is watching") or as a noun (gerund) describing the act of observing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable presence in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "watching" is a versatile and commonly used term, primarily functioning as a present participle or gerund to describe the act of observing something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's important to distinguish its meaning from related terms like "waiting" or "monitoring" to ensure accuracy. The examples on Ludwig highlight its widespread applicability and provide valuable insights into its nuanced usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observing

A more formal and detached alternative that suggests careful and systematic attention.

viewing

Implies looking at something, often something displayed or presented.

monitoring

Suggests keeping track of something over a period, often for a specific purpose.

scrutinizing

Indicates a detailed and critical examination.

witnessing

Implies being present when something happens, often an event.

surveying

Suggests a broad and comprehensive look at something.

keeping an eye on

An idiomatic phrase suggesting vigilance and attentiveness.

paying attention to

Highlights the act of focusing one's mental resources on something.

taking notice of

Emphasizes the act of becoming aware of something.

keeping watch over

Suggests protecting or guarding something while observing it.

FAQs

How can I use "watching" in a sentence?

You can use "watching" to describe the act of observing something, such as "I enjoy watching movies" or "She was watching the birds in the garden".

What's a more formal alternative to "watching"?

Alternatives include "observing", as in, "Scientists are observing the effects of climate change", or "viewing", such as, "The public is viewing the art exhibit".

Is there a difference between "watching" and "looking at"?

"Watching" implies a more sustained attention and often suggests something is happening, whereas "looking at" is a more general term for directing your gaze. For example, you "watch" a movie, but you might just "look at" a picture.

When should I use "monitoring" instead of "watching"?

"Monitoring" is used when tracking something over time, often for a specific purpose like security or analysis. For example, "The doctor is monitoring his patient's heart rate", whereas "watching" is a more general observation.