Be on your guard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be on your guard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise someone to be cautious or alert, especially in potentially dangerous or risky situations. Example: "As you enter the unfamiliar neighborhood, be on your guard for any suspicious activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Be on your guard if staff at the rental counter inform you that you are not being given the exact car you ordered.

The Guardian - Money

Be on your guard for lily beetle, which can ravage this fritillaria - I delight in plucking these devils from the foliage and exuding their orange blood!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Be on your guard from fresh water snails, or small assorted plant life when you're in the bath, and it's no occasion to laugh, when I recount the tale of when a shrimp hit the slipmat and the prawns got a bit involved …" From Cheriton in Kent, the Shadow Ring were poet/artist Graham Lambkin and percussionist/musician Daren Harris.

The Guardian - Music

Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions".

Huffington Post

Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'".

Huffington Post

Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'" Jesus not only urged people to be kind to others in their everyday lives.

HuffPost

Be on your guard, but don't forget to have fun, because the people you'll meet are fundamentally good (except for the ones who snatch your credit card, of course).

Huffington Post

Be on your guard.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A dodgy landlord might use a letting agent, but he or she will come under less scrutiny if the property is advertised directly, so it is worth being on your guard when responding to adverts on listing sites.

The Guardian - Money

If you're an attractive celebrity with a penchant for taking photographs of yourself on the beach, it's worth being on your guard for sweet-talking actors keen to have you on their arm at the next awards ceremony.

The Telegraph

"Fraudsters are not only plausible but are also highly persuasive, and it can be all too easy to fall for their polished performance unless you are on your guard," warned Kate Smith of Aegon UK. "We're seeing more and more sophisticated ways of unscrupulous people getting their hands on people's retirement savings".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Be on your guard" when you want to express the need for vigilance in situations where deception or trickery may be involved.

Common error

Avoid using "Be on your guard" in situations where the risk is minimal or nonexistent; instead, opt for milder expressions of caution or simply state the necessary precautions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Be on your guard" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to exercise caution and vigilance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and suggests its use in potentially risky situations. This directive advises readiness for potential threats, whether physical or abstract.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

22%

Huffington Post

8%

Less common in

The Guardian

7%

The New York Times

6%

Forbes

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Be on your guard" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to advise caution. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in a broad array of situations. It is particularly prevalent in news and media and wiki sources, serving as a warning to remain alert for potential dangers or deceptions. While versatile, avoid overusing it in contexts where the risk is minimal. Consider related phrases like "stay vigilant" or "exercise caution" for nuanced expressions of alertness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stay vigilant

Emphasizes continuous attentiveness to potential dangers or problems.

Remain alert

Highlights the importance of quick perception and readiness.

Exercise caution

Advises careful and prudent behavior to avoid risks.

Keep a watchful eye

Suggests closely observing something or someone.

Be careful

A general warning to avoid harm or mistakes.

Look out

A more immediate and urgent warning of potential danger.

Watch your step

Specifically advises caution when walking or navigating potentially hazardous terrain or situations.

Be wary

Suggests a degree of skepticism and distrust.

Take heed

Implies paying close attention to warnings or advice.

Mind yourself

A colloquial way of telling someone to be careful or cautious.

FAQs

How can I use "Be on your guard" in a sentence?

You can use "Be on your guard" to advise someone to be cautious or alert in a potentially dangerous situation. For example, "As you enter the unfamiliar neighborhood, "be on your guard" for any suspicious activity."

What's the difference between "Be on your guard" and "Be careful"?

"Be careful" is a general warning, while "Be on your guard" suggests a more specific threat or potential deception. "Be careful" is a milder caution, whereas "Be on your guard" /s/implies+a+more+specific+threat is a more specific warning.

What can I say instead of "Be on your guard"?

You can use alternatives like "stay vigilant", "remain alert", or "exercise caution" depending on the context.

Is "Be on your guard" formal or informal?

"Be on your guard" falls in the neutral register, suitable for both professional and informal communication. While it isn't overly casual, it avoids being overly formal or stilted.