be guarded against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be guarded against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to be cautious or to protect themselves from potential harm or negative influences. Example: "In today's digital age, individuals should be guarded against online scams and phishing attempts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Something that needed to be guarded against".

The New York Times

Both are extremes to be guarded against.

Independent

These are very dangerous things, to be guarded against carefully.

The New Yorker

"Cable envy is something that needs to be guarded against," he said.

The New York Times

If criminals feared death, why did they have to be guarded against committing suicide?

The New York Times

Other dangers, some of them related dangers, need to be guarded against at the same time.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Furthermore, thinking in hockey is guarded against.

The New Yorker

Tells how the ship is guarded against ravaes of idleness.

The New Yorker

In fact, their outer office is guarded against slogan-suggestors.

The New Yorker

"The marked increase in risk taking of a decade ago could have been guarded against wholly by increased capital," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

During the German occupation of Norway as part of the Second World War, the Wehrmacht wanted a railway route past Trondheim which was guarded against sabotage.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be guarded against", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific threat or danger needs to be avoided. For example, "Consumers should be guarded against phishing scams."

Common error

Avoid using "be guarded against" when an active construction is more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "Mistakes must be guarded against," consider "We must guard against mistakes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be guarded against" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating a need for protection or caution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests that something requires defense or prevention. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in contexts where potential dangers or negative influences are present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

34%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be guarded against" is a commonly used passive verb phrase that advises caution and prevention. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It frequently appears in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the specific threat, and consider more active constructions for clarity. Alternative phrases like "be wary of" or "be cautious about" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be wary of

Focuses on being cautious and suspicious of something.

be cautious about

Emphasizes the need for careful consideration and circumspection.

be on your guard against

Highlights the importance of being vigilant and prepared for potential threats.

exercise caution with

Advises using careful judgment and restraint.

take precautions against

Suggests implementing measures to prevent something undesirable from happening.

be vigilant toward

Emphasizes the need for constant attentiveness and watchfulness.

protect oneself from

Highlights the act of shielding oneself from potential harm.

defend against

Focuses on resisting or warding off attacks or negative influences.

shield oneself from

Stresses the importance of creating a barrier for protection.

take heed of

Implies paying close attention to and acting on warnings or potential dangers.

FAQs

How can I use "be guarded against" in a sentence?

Use "be guarded against" to advise caution regarding potential risks or threats. For example: "Consumers should be guarded against fraudulent schemes."

What's a simpler way to express "be guarded against"?

Alternatives include "be wary of", "be cautious about", or "take precautions against", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "be guarded against" formal or informal?

"Be guarded against" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in formal writing and speech. In informal settings, phrases like "be careful of" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "be guarded against" and "be protected from"?

"Be guarded against" implies anticipating and preventing a potential threat, while "be protected from" suggests shielding from an existing or imminent danger. For instance, "We should be guarded against complacency" versus "We need to be protected from the storm".