Keep an eye

[English4everyone]

What can we say when we want someone to take care of our stuff for a short time when we're not there. For example we want to go to the bathroom and we we want to leave our bag to someone we don't know.
Is it natural to say "could you keep an eye on my bag?"

 

[Rover_KE]

Yes. Adding 'please' makes it more polite.

 

[English4everyone]

Is there any other alternative?

 

[MikeNewYork]

To please?

 

[English4everyone]

I mean is there another way to say that? Another expression instead of "keep an eye on something"?

 

[MikeNewYork]

You could say:

Please watch my bag.
Please take care of my bag.
Please don't let my bag be taken.

 

[Barb_D]

As a general comment, though, asking a total stranger to watch your stuff is very risky. In some areas, it's just about an invitation to steal it while you're gone.

 

[Tdol]

You could say:

Please watch my bag.
Please take care of my bag.
Please don't let my bag be taken.

Or Could you mind my bag?

 

[TheParser]

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

You (smiling at a woman who is sitting near you): I have to wash my hands. [= I need to use the restroom (toilet)]. Do you think that it would be OK for me to leave my bag here?

Woman: Don't worry, dear. I will keep an eye on it.

You: You are so kind. I'll be back in a minute.

Woman: Take your time. Your bag will be perfectly safe with me.

 

[Rover_KE]

You: You are so kind. I'll be back in a minute.

Woman: Take your time. Your bag will be perfectly safe with me.

You (two minutes later): Rats! That thieving woman's legged it with my bag!:-(

 

[MikeNewYork]

Paranoid much? :lol: