a security force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a security force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group or organization that is responsible for maintaining security, often in a governmental or military context. Example: "The government deployed a security force to ensure the safety of the citizens during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'm a security force.

The Guardian

"We're not a security force.

The Guardian - Music

I didn't see another car on the road, let alone a security force with guns drawn.

The New Yorker

"I am the leader of a security force like the police," he said recently.

Independent

He has denounced suicide bombings and has begun reordering a security force to suppress Palestinian militants.

The New York Times

So far, the American military has fielded a security force of more than 215,000 Iraqis.

The New York Times

The novel opens in 2059, in a London governed by a security force called Scion.

The Guardian - Books

Usually, the campus is patrolled by a security force of about 30.

The New York Times

A security force of at least 13,000 is on duty in the capital alone.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It described Jaara as a "legendary Palestinian terrorist" who had led a "double life" as a security-force officer and militant.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Winning means we hand off to a security force that can secure the country," the senior Pentagon official said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a security force", clearly define the scope of their responsibilities and the specific area or people they are protecting. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Be mindful of using "a security force" interchangeably with terms like "police force" or "military unit" without considering the specific context. While there can be overlap, "a security force" often implies a broader range of responsibilities beyond just law enforcement or combat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a security force" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a group or organization specifically tasked with maintaining security, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a security force" is a common noun phrase that refers to an entity responsible for maintaining safety and order. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "a police force" or "a military unit" exist, "a security force" often encompasses a broader range of responsibilities. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the force's specific role and scope to avoid confusion. Its wide usage and clear meaning make it a reliable choice in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a law enforcement agency

Focuses specifically on enforcing laws and maintaining order, often within a defined jurisdiction.

a protection detail

Emphasizes the protective aspect, often referring to a smaller, specialized unit.

a peacekeeping contingent

Highlights the role of maintaining peace, usually in a post-conflict environment.

a guard unit

Implies a group responsible for guarding a specific location or person.

a patrol team

Suggests a mobile unit that regularly patrols an area to maintain security.

a rapid response team

Highlights the ability to quickly react to security threats or incidents.

a task force

Refers to a temporary unit formed to address a specific security challenge.

a military detachment

Indicates a smaller unit of a larger military force assigned to a particular security task.

a policing body

Emphasizes the function of policing and maintaining public order.

an armed contingent

Highlights the presence of weapons and readiness for armed conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "a security force" in a sentence?

You can use "a security force" to describe a group responsible for maintaining safety and order. For example, "The government deployed "a security force" to protect the border".

What are some alternatives to "a security force"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a police force", "a military unit", or "a protection detail".

Is "a security force" the same as "a police force"?

While both maintain order, "a security force" often has a broader mandate than "a police force", potentially including private or specialized units. A police force is typically a governmental entity focused on enforcing laws.

What's the difference between "a security force" and "a task force"?

"A security force" is a general term, while "a task force" usually refers to a temporary unit formed to address a specific, often complex, security issue.