Meaning
- To pay attention to avoid harm or danger.
- To be on guard or suspicious of someone or something.
- To monitor something attentively.
- Used to suggest that consequences are coming in a colloquial or playful way.
Today's Sentences
01
Watch out there’s a car coming!
Situation
Do I make a left here?
Yes, you can turn left at the lights.
Got it.
But watch out, there’s a car coming!
02
Watch out for spam email, it might be a scam.
Situation
You seem busy.
What are you up to?
I’m just cleaning out my inbox.
I have so much junk mail.
Watch out for spam email, it might be a scam.
Really?
I should delete them right away.
Writer's Note
The phrasal verb "watch out" is intransitive and inseparable.
1. Intransitive - This phrasal verb does not take a direct object.
Example 1: You should watch out when you're crossing the street.
Example 2: Watch out for falling rocks on this trail.
2. Inseparable - The particle and verb cannot be split by an object or other words that changes its core form.
Example 1: You really need to watch out when you're driving in the rain. (The phrasal verb is not split; it remains intact and inseparable.)
Example 2: Watch out for that low-hanging branch! (Watch and out stay together—you can't say Watch the branch out.)
Related Words: Be careful, be cautious, be on the lookout, heads up, lookout, pay attention, stay alert, take care.
