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 thereโs a car coming!
Situation
Do I make a left here?
Yes, you can turn left at the lights.
Got it.
But watch out, thereโs a car coming!
02
Watch out for spam email, it might be a scam.
Situation
You seem busy.
What are you up to?
Iโm 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 verbย ใwatch outใย isย intransitive and inseparable.
1. Intransitiveย – This phrasal verb does not take a direct object.
Example 1: You shouldย watch outย when you’re crossing the street.
Example 2: Watch outย for falling rocks on this trail.
2. Inseparableย – The particle and verb cannot be split by an object or other words that changes its core form.
Example 1: You really need toย watch outย when you’re driving in the rain. (The phrasal verb is not split; it remains intact and inseparable.)ย
Example 2: Watch outย for that low-hanging branch! (Watch and out stay togetherโyou 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.
