What does the phrasal verb “watch over” mean?

What are the definitions of “watch over”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Keep an eye on something or someone to check that there's no trouble.

  The lecturer WATCHED OVER the students as they did the experiment.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “watch over”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb watch over is to keep an eye on someone or something to make sure there is no trouble or danger. It means to protect, supervise, or look after someone or something carefully.

What are the different verb forms of “watch over”?

Root Verb	watch over
Third Person Singular Present	watches over
Present Participle	watching over
Simple Past	watched over
Past Participle	watched over

Example

The lifeguard watches over the swimmers at the beach.

Example

She watches over her younger siblings when their parents are away.

Example

He is watching over the children playing in the park.

Example

The teacher watched over the students during the exam.

Example

The security guard had watched over the store all night.

What kind of phrasal verb is “watch over”?

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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 over” 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

The babysitter watched over the kids.

Example

The police officer watched over the crowd.

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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 over” 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

The babysitter watched over the kids.

Example

The police officer watched over the crowd.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “watch over”?

Watch over someone

To protect or take care of someone, especially when they are vulnerable or in need of help.

Example

The older sister watched over her younger brother when he was sick.

Watch over something

To keep an eye on a place or object to ensure its safety or proper functioning.

Example

The security guard watched over the museum at night.

Watch over a process

To supervise or monitor a process to ensure it is done correctly and safely.

Example

The chef watched over the cooking process to make sure the food was prepared perfectly.

Good things to know

Does “watch over” have an informal or formal tone?

Watch over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a professional or academic environment.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “watch over”?

Synonyms

• supervise
• monitor
• guard
• protect
• observe
• oversee
• look after
• keep an eye on

Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• overlook
• disregard
• abandon
• leave alone