What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
surveil
Example
The police were surveilling the suspect's house for any suspicious activity. [surveilling: gerund or present participle]
Example
The security team installed cameras to surveil the perimeter of the building. [surveil: verb]
monitor
Example
The doctor will monitor your blood pressure during the check-up. [monitor: verb]
Example
The company uses software to monitor employee productivity. [monitor: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Monitor is more commonly used than surveil in everyday language. Monitor is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, from technology to health to education. Surveil, on the other hand, is more specific and is typically used in the context of security or law enforcement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between surveil and monitor?
Surveil is a more formal word than monitor. It is often used in legal or official contexts, such as in police reports or court documents. Monitor, on the other hand, is a more neutral and versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
