Keep tabs on

If you “keep tabs on” someone or something, you are watching or observing them attentively so you know what is happening at all times. You may be keeping a record (most of the time a mental one). You stay up to date with what it happening. To “keep track of” someone/ something is a similar expression.

1.  Some boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives keep tabs on their hubby (partner) by calling them on their cell phone frequently to see where they are and what they’re doing. Some people even hire a private investigator if they are suspicious of their partner and think they are up to no good.

2. Did you know that Google has many ways to keep tabs on your internet activities? They will target you with specific ads (advertisements) because they know your preferences based on the sites you visit. Also in your Gmail account, when you read each email, you might have noticed that there are ads that are based on the content of the emails you send and receive.

3. There is a device called “CarCheckup” which when installed in any car allows you to keep tabs on anyone’s driving habits: the speed they drive, when they break or accelerate suddenly, etc. It works by GPS so you can also see where someone has been. People are using it to keep tabs on their teenage kids or on their elderly parents.


4.  At the moment I am keeping tabs on all of the World Cup Rugby matches (games) and their scores. If you want to see up-to-date info. in real time on all of the games, including video highlights, you can go to http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/

5. If you’re surfing the internet instead of working, your boss may be keeping tabs on you. In fact it is almost impossible to tell if he/she really is keeping track of what you’re up to on your computer.