Significado
To watch or look after someone or something carefully.
Contexto cultural
In the US, 'keeping an eye on' things is a common way to build trust with neighbors (e.g., 'Neighborhood Watch' programs). It emphasizes individual responsibility for the community. The British often use 'keep a weather eye on,' a nautical term, to mean being alert for potential trouble or changes in a situation. In corporate settings, 'keeping an eye on' is a 'soft' management term. It allows a boss to monitor a project without sounding like they are micromanaging the staff. Modern internet culture uses this phrase for 'lurking' or monitoring trends without actively participating.
The 'Favor' Phrase
This is the most polite and natural way to ask someone to watch your things in public.
Don't forget 'AN'
Saying 'Keep eye on' sounds like 'Tarzan English.' Always include 'an'.
Significado
To watch or look after someone or something carefully.
The 'Favor' Phrase
This is the most polite and natural way to ask someone to watch your things in public.
Don't forget 'AN'
Saying 'Keep eye on' sounds like 'Tarzan English.' Always include 'an'.
Add 'Close'
If you are very worried, say 'Keep a CLOSE eye on it' to show importance.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
Can you keep an eye ___ my suitcase while I buy a ticket?
The idiom is always 'keep an eye ON something.'
Which sentence is correct for someone waiting for a friend to arrive?
I am at the station...
Use 'out for' when you are searching or waiting for someone who isn't there yet.
Fill in the missing phrase.
A: I'm going to the kitchen. B: Okay, I'll ________ your phone so nobody takes it.
This is the standard form of the idiom for watching an object.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
You are a manager watching a new employee's work.
Monitoring a person's performance uses 'keep an eye on.'
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosCan you keep an eye ___ my suitcase while I buy a ticket?
The idiom is always 'keep an eye ON something.'
I am at the station...
Use 'out for' when you are searching or waiting for someone who isn't there yet.
A: I'm going to the kitchen. B: Okay, I'll ________ your phone so nobody takes it.
This is the standard form of the idiom for watching an object.
You are a manager watching a new employee's work.
Monitoring a person's performance uses 'keep an eye on.'
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but 'keep an eye on' is the standard idiom. 'Keep my eyes on' sounds more literal or very intense.
Yes, it's fine. For example: 'I keep a close eye on industry trends.'
'Watch' is a general action. 'Keep an eye on' implies a specific responsibility or favor.
Yes. 'The security guard is keeping an eye on that man.'
It is always 'on.' 'Keep an eye to' is not a standard English idiom.
Yes, this is very common when planning a trip or event.
Yes, it is used globally in all major English dialects.
Change 'keep' to 'kept.' Example: 'He kept an eye on the kids yesterday.'
Yes. 'I need to keep an eye on my temper.'
Similar, but 'look after' implies more active care (like feeding or cleaning), while 'keep an eye on' is mostly about watching.
Frases relacionadas
Keep an eye out for
similarTo look for something that might appear.
Watch over
synonymTo protect or care for someone.
Keep tabs on
specialized formTo monitor someone's actions or a process closely.
Keep your eye on the ball
builds onTo stay focused on the main goal.
