What are the definitions of “watch out for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be careful of something.
WATCH OUT FOR bats in the caves; many have rabies.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “watch out for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb watch out for is to be careful or cautious about something or someone. It is often used as a warning to pay attention to potential dangers or problems.
What are the different verb forms of “watch out for”?
| Root Verb | watch out for |
| Third Person Singular Present | watches out for |
| Present Participle | watching out for |
| Simple Past | watched out for |
| Past Participle | watched out for |
Example
Please watch out for the slippery floor.
Example
She always watches out for her little brother at the playground.
Example
He is watching out for any suspicious activity in the neighborhood.
Example
Yesterday, they watched out for pickpockets while visiting the crowded market.
Example
The lifeguard has watched out for swimmers in distress all day.
What kind of phrasal verb is “watch out for”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“watch out for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
You should watch out for the low-hanging branches.
Example
He watched out for any signs of danger.
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 for” 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
You should watch out for the low-hanging branches.
Example
He watched out for any signs of danger.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “watch out for”?
Watch out for someone
To look after or protect someone, especially in a caring or supportive manner.
Example
As the oldest sibling, I always watched out for my younger brothers and sisters.
Watch out for something
To be aware of or prepared for a specific event or situation.
Example
When traveling abroad, watch out for local customs and etiquette to avoid offending anyone.
Watch out for yourself
To take care of oneself and be cautious in various situations.
Example
In a big city, it's important to watch out for yourself and stay safe.
Good things to know
Does “watch out for” have an informal or formal tone?
Watch out for 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 of' or 'be mindful of' may be more appropriate.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “watch out for”?
Synonyms
- be careful of
- be cautious of
- be mindful of
- beware of
- look out for
- pay attention to
- take care of
- guard against
Antonyms
- disregard
- ignore
- neglect
- overlook
- be careless about
- be unconcerned about
