we keep an eye on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we keep an eye on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to monitoring or watching something closely to ensure it is managed or controlled. Example: "In our project, we keep an eye on the budget to avoid overspending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"We keep an eye on each other," said one policeman.

The New York Times

"We keep an eye on it – we saw tickets for one show going for £100 and we tracked down who was selling them".

Independent

"We keep an eye on the points, and once we see one is clear, we use it," says Mohamad, a Syrian smuggler.

The Guardian

How can we keep an eye on the difference between ontic and ontological measurement, and prevent the one from interfering with the other?

The New York Times

We keep an eye on your blood pressure".

The New York Times

"We keep an eye on them and are quite happy to point out when they make a mistake," Gammell said, holding up his walkie-talkie.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

We kept an eye on each other.

The New York Times

We kept an eye on a family of goslings, with their protective parents, beachcombing for food.

The Guardian - Travel

"Tari was playing overseas in Italy and we kept an eye on her," Blazejowski said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We kept an eye on him, watched him a few times and spoke to many people up in Scotland and the responses were positive," said boss Graham Alexander.

BBC

"We kept an eye on him until it went dark and by that time he was only four or five miles from sea".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we keep an eye on", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being monitored and why it's important. For example, "We keep an eye on the budget to prevent overspending" provides clear context.

Common error

Avoid using "we keep an eye on" without specifying what is being monitored. For example, instead of saying "We keep an eye on things", specify, "We keep an eye on the project's progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we keep an eye on" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of monitoring or observing something closely. It suggests a proactive approach to ensure that something is managed or controlled. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in English and provides several examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we keep an eye on" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that indicates monitoring or close observation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable and frequently appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While versatile, ensure clarity by specifying what is being monitored. For alternative expressions, consider options like "we monitor" or "we oversee", depending on the nuances you wish to convey. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we monitor

Focuses more on systematic tracking and observation.

we watch over

Suggests a protective and caring form of observation.

we oversee

Implies a supervisory role while observing.

we supervise

Highlights the act of directing and controlling through observation.

we observe

A more formal and detached term for watching.

we are vigilant

Emphasizes alertness and readiness to detect issues.

we keep watch

Highlights maintaining a state of alert observation.

we pay attention to

Indicates focusing awareness on something.

we are mindful of

Highlights being conscious and aware of something's importance.

we take note of

Suggests recording or remembering observations.

FAQs

How can I use "we keep an eye on" in a sentence?

Use "we keep an eye on" to indicate that you are monitoring something closely. For example, "We keep an eye on the stock market" means you are watching it carefully.

What can I say instead of "we keep an eye on"?

You can use alternatives like "we monitor", "we oversee", or "we are vigilant" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we keep an eye on" or "we monitor"?

Both phrases are correct, but "we monitor" suggests a more systematic and regular observation, while "we keep an eye on" can imply a more casual or opportunistic watch.

What is the difference between "we keep an eye on" and "we watch over"?

"We keep an eye on" generally means to monitor or observe, while "we watch over" suggests a more protective and caring form of observation.