keep watch on him vs keep a watch on him

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Keep watch on him' is more commonly used and implies monitoring someone or something closely without specifying the type of watch. On the other hand, 'keep a watch on him' is also correct and implies a specific type of watch being used for monitoring.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1055 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"keep watch on him"

This phrase means to monitor someone or something closely without specifying the type of watch being used.

Examples:

Keep watch on the children while they play outside.
I'll keep watch on the progress of the project.
She asked her friend to keep watch on her belongings while she went to the restroom.
The security guard will keep watch on the building throughout the night.
We need to keep watch on our expenses to stay within budget.

Show examples from the web [+]

Amos has deployed Jones to keep watch on him.
He is most likely spying for King Louis, but at least he is where we can keep watch on him.
He is most likely spying for King Louis, but at least he is where we can keep watch on him.
You'll have to keep close watch on him.
You have to keep a close watch on him,
I'll keep watch on the little one.
Using these to keep watch on all of us.
Keep watch on the Spanish soldiers who are watching the gold.
Fair enough, but then you keep watch on her afterwards.
I'll keep watch on the first floor.
Keep watch on yourself lest you, too, be tempted.
We need you to keep watch on 352.
I invited the man into my home, paid his wage to keep watch on you.
We need you to keep watch on 352.
Klaus is gone, but he's asked me to keep watch on you until he returns.
You know, if we really want to find Bauer, we need to keep watch on anyone he might contact for help, starting with Audrey Raines.
But in fact he's getting them to keep watch on me.
Madam President, firstly I think one of our most important tasks in Parliament is to keep watch on human rights and democracy.
You go to the building opposite and keep watch on the roof.
Yes. Your brother keep watch on cabin at Beardy's basin.

Alternatives:

Keep an eye on him
Monitor him closely
Watch him closely
Keep an eye out for him
Keep an eye on the situation

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"keep a watch on him"

This phrase means to monitor someone or something closely with the implication of using a specific type of watch for monitoring.

Examples:

I will keep a watch on him with my binoculars.
The police officer kept a watch on the suspect from a distance.
She asked her neighbor to keep a watch on her house while she was away.
The security team kept a watch on the VIP throughout the event.
We need to keep a watch on the weather forecast for our outdoor event.

Show examples from the web [+]

You have to keep a close watch on him,
Klaus told her to keep a watch on me.
We decided it might be wise to keep a watch on you.
The spirit keeps a watch on its prey.
Minelli wants me to keep a watch on you.
The Danish Presidency will keep a watch on this.
You're meant to keep a watch on such things instead of running off at night.
You're meant to keep a watch on such things instead of running off at night.
I want you to keep a watch on all of them.
Keep a watch on the dead tree by the Doone gate.
And you can keep a watch on the backyard stuff.
Just keep a watch on Rohit and Sonia.
I think you really like to keep a watch.
Mount pickets and keep a watch.
You and Harold stay here, keep a watch out below.
Imprison their family and keep a watch.
I want to keep a close watch on any deviations.
Our people have been instructed to keep a close watch on you.
It will therefore be important to keep a close watch on the execution of payments.
Keep a permanent watch on the anomaly site.

Alternatives:

Keep watch on him
Monitor him closely
Watch him closely
Keep an eye on him
Keep an eye out for him

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keep watch on him vs keep a watch on him

"keep watch on him"

"keep a watch on him"

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