army of guards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "army of guards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large group of guards, often implying a sense of strength or protection. Example: "The castle was heavily fortified, with an army of guards stationed at every entrance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She subdues an entire army of guards.

The New York Times - Books

If the growing crowd and a pumping remix of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Heads Will Roll" made the place seem less museum-like, a small army of guards in white shirts and black ties was a reminder this was not an average nightclub.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They all have their armies of guards, peons, delivery boys, ear-dewaxers and men who sit on stools in lifts pressing the buttons.

The Economist

Now that the fear is gone, neighborhood merchants are pooling resources to hire their own security forces, and many prominent business executives and politicians have their own small armies of guards.

The New York Times

An army of security guards kept noisy protesters at bay.

The Economist

Modalities Eventually you are allowed to enter the tents, which are policed by an army of security guards.

The Guardian - Arts

If the Bulgarian border defenses lacked the latest technology, they more than made up for that with an army of conscripted guards and informants.

The New York Times

The world's media flocked to Florence yesterday for the wedding, as a private army of security guards attempted to keep paparazzi outside the walls of the beautiful 16th-century fort the couple had hired.

Independent

But eight years earlier an army of Red Guards, waving Mao Zedong's Little Red Book, had rendered the colony ungovernable, plastering the city with slogans and hounding its officials.

The Economist

It was no surprise that Philadelphia fans, considered among the toughest in sports, booed the replacement officials, flanked by a small army of security guards, as they left the field at Veterans Stadium after the Rams-Eagles game on Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

He also said SUNY officials had surrounded the hospital with "a virtual army of armed guards" who falsely tell patients that the hospital is closed, and that the hospital's chief medical officer had berated patients who chose to be treated there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "army of guards", ensure the context justifies the use of such a strong term. Reserve it for situations where the number of guards is genuinely significant or meant to be imposing.

Common error

Avoid using "army of guards" when a smaller, less dramatic term like "security team" or "group of guards" would be more accurate. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "army of guards" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a compound noun. The word "army" acts as a descriptor, emphasizing the large number and organized nature of the "guards". As shown in Ludwig, the phrase is often used in news contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "army of guards" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that describes a large and imposing group of security personnel. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it also reveals that its usage is relatively uncommon, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether the strength of the term "army" accurately reflects the situation, and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "legion of guards" or "phalanx of guards" may offer a more nuanced description depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legion of guards

Replaces "army" with "legion", suggesting a large, organized group, similar to a military unit.

phalanx of guards

Replaces "army" with "phalanx", evoking an image of a tightly packed, defensive formation of guards.

battalion of guards

Substitutes "army" with "battalion", implying a smaller but still significant and well-defined group of guards.

contingent of guards

Uses "contingent" instead of "army", indicating a group of guards assigned to a specific task or location.

detachment of guards

Substituting "army" with "detachment", suggesting a group of guards separated from a larger force for a particular purpose.

squad of guards

Replaces "army" with "squad", referring to a small team of guards, usually with a specific duty.

multitude of guards

Employs "multitude" to highlight the sheer number of guards present.

host of guards

Swaps "army" with "host", conveying a large, possibly overwhelming number of guards.

throng of guards

Uses "throng" to depict a densely packed group of guards.

group of protectors

Replaces both "army" and "guards" to a more general term implying the protective function.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "army of guards" in a sentence?

You can use "army of guards" to describe a large and imposing group of security personnel, such as, "The palace was protected by an "army of guards"."

What are some synonyms for "army of guards"?

Alternatives include "legion of guards", "battalion of guards", or "phalanx of guards", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "army of guards" a hyperbole?

It can be, depending on the actual number of guards. If the number is genuinely large and creates a sense of overwhelming security, it's a fitting description. Otherwise, it might be an exaggeration.

What's the difference between "army of guards" and "security detail"?

A "security detail" usually refers to a smaller, more specialized group protecting a specific person or location. An "army of guards" implies a larger, more general security force.