watch out
/wɒtʃ aʊt/
Meaning
This phrase is a warning used to tell someone to be alert and careful because there is immediate danger or an obstacle nearby. It is often shouted quickly in urgent situations.
Examples
-
Watch out! There is a car coming!
Watch out! There is a car coming!
-
You should watch out for wet patches on the floor.
You should watch out for wet patches on the floor.
-
Watch out, the coffee is extremely hot!
Watch out, the coffee is extremely hot!
-
We had to watch out for bees while walking in the garden.
We had to watch out for bees while walking in the garden.
-
Watch out! That branch is about to fall.
Watch out! That branch is about to fall.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ Watch out the car!
✓ Watch out for the car!
If you mention the specific danger after the phrase, you must use the preposition 'for'.
-
✗ Watch out yourself.
✓ Watch out.
'Watch out' does not take a reflexive pronoun like 'yourself'. Use 'Be careful' instead if you want to emphasize personal safety.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
___! You almost stepped on my dog's tail.
💡 A sudden warning to be alert.
Show answer
Watch out
-
When you walk in the forest, ___ for snakes.
💡 Be alert to find or avoid something dangerous.
Show answer
watch out