Definition

Verb: * To monitor or watch someone or something closely and regularly, often to maintain awareness of their activities, condition, or progress.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the act of maintaining ongoing observation or surveillance. It implies a continuous or repeated effort to stay informed. It is commonly used in informal and formal contexts.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The manager likes to keep tabs on the project's budget.
  • Parents often keep tabs on their children's online activities.
  • It's wise to keep tabs on your expenses throughout the month.

Advanced Usage

• "to keep close tabs on": To monitor something or someone very carefully and attentively.
  • The doctor advised her to keep close tabs on her blood pressure.

Variants and Related Words

• Keep a tab on: A less common variant with the same meaning.
  • Can you keep a tab on the time and let me know when we have five minutes left?

Synonyms

• Monitor: To watch, keep track of, or check for a special purpose over a period of time.
• Track: To follow and note the course or progress of something.
• Watch: To look at or observe attentively over a period of time.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Keep an eye on: To watch or look after someone or something, often temporarily.
  • Could you keep an eye on my bag while I use the restroom? (This often implies a more casual or temporary watch compared to "keep tabs on," which suggests systematic tracking.)

Related Idioms

• Keep a close watch on: To observe someone or something very carefully.
  • The security team will keep a close watch on the entrance.

Verb

1. keep a record on or watch attentively
   • The government keeps tabs on the dissidents