What are the definitions of “watch out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be careful ( imperative ).
Watch out there's ice on the road.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “watch out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb watch out is to be careful or pay attention to potential dangers or problems. It is often used as a warning to someone to avoid a dangerous situation.
What are the different verb forms of “watch out”?
| Root Verb | watch out |
| Third Person Singular Present | watches out |
| Present Participle | watching out |
| Simple Past | watched out |
| Past Participle | watched out |
Example
Please watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.
Example
She always watches out for her younger brother at the playground.
Example
He is watching out for any suspicious activity in the neighborhood.
Example
Yesterday, they watched out for any signs of trouble during the event.
Example
He had watched out for his friends during the trip.
What kind of phrasal verb is “watch out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“watch out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
Watch out! There's a car coming.
Example
Watch out for slippery floors.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“watch out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
Watch out! There's a car coming.
Example
Watch out for slippery floors.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “watch out”?
Watch out for
To be aware of or look for something specific.
Example
Watch out for snakes when hiking in the forest.
Watch out!
An exclamation used to warn someone of immediate danger.
Example
Watch out! The ball is heading your way.
Watch out for someone
To look after or protect someone.
Example
I'll watch out for your kids while you're at the store.
Good things to know
Does “watch out” have an informal or formal tone?
Watch out is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. However, in very formal situations, alternatives such as 'be cautious' or 'be vigilant' might be more appropriate.
