I remained guarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I remained guarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being cautious or protective, often in emotional or social contexts. Example: "Even after the conversation, I remained guarded about sharing my personal feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The supermarket had food and water, but it remained guarded and shut as people spent the night in the jungle largely without.

The Washington Post

He remained guarded.

The New York Times

Even after the Soviet collapse, discussion of such topics remained guarded in Russia.

The Washington Post

But the account underscored that many Fed officials remained guarded in their optimism about the economy.

The New York Times

Economists also remained guarded about the prospects for the Chinese economy, which faces structural challenges and an aging population.

The New York Times

Still, the players remained guarded in their comments and offered little description of Everett's ability to move, except to say he could move his head and smile.

The New York Times - Sports

In contrast to Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor and government spokesman, who remained guarded and terse throughout his testimony on Thursday, Ms. Brooks presented herself as eager to be helpful, at least on the surface.

The New York Times

Both in the book and in life Cheever remained guarded and squirrelly about his sexuality.

Huffington Post

Vincent agreed to join the sessions but remained guarded for the first month of sociotherapy.

Vice

During the early hours of the coup, officials in Washington remained guarded in public, saying they were monitoring the situation and calling for calm, without explicitly supporting either side.

Wikipedia

Two companies from the 4th and 10th were stationed to guard their return route, and one company from the 43rd remained guarding the bridge itself.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "I remained guarded" to convey a sense of ongoing caution or emotional protection after an event or interaction. It suggests a deliberate choice to stay alert and reserved.

Common error

Avoid using "I remained guarded" in very informal contexts or casual conversations. While grammatically correct, its slightly formal tone might sound unnatural in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I remained guarded" functions as a statement of personal stance, indicating a continued state of caution or reservation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I remained guarded" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a continued state of caution or emotional protection. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not very common, it is suitable for news reports and personal narratives where a neutral and slightly formal register is desired. It's best to avoid this phrase in casual conversations where a simpler expression might be more fitting. Consider alternatives like "I stayed vigilant" or "I kept my guard up" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remained cautious

A direct synonym emphasizing a careful and prudent approach.

I kept my guard up

Emphasizes protection and defense against emotional or physical harm.

I was on my guard

Highlights a state of readiness and alertness to possible threats.

I stayed vigilant

Focuses on being watchful and alert to potential danger or issues.

I was wary

Implies a sense of caution and distrust towards something or someone.

I was circumspect

Indicates careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

I was discreet

Focuses on maintaining privacy and avoiding unwanted attention.

I held back

Suggests restraining oneself from fully expressing or participating.

I kept my distance

Indicates maintaining both physical and emotional separation.

I was noncommittal

Implies avoiding any firm commitment or definitive statement.

FAQs

What does "I remained guarded" mean?

The phrase "I remained guarded" means that you maintained a cautious or reserved attitude, often due to uncertainty or a lack of trust.

When is it appropriate to say "I remained guarded"?

It's appropriate to use "I remained guarded" when describing a situation where you consciously chose to be cautious and reserved, even after some initial interaction or event.

What can I say instead of "I remained guarded"?

You can use alternatives like "I stayed vigilant", "I kept my guard up", or "I was wary" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I remained guarded" formal or informal?

The phrase "I remained guarded" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "I stayed cautious" might be more suitable.