be on your guard

USAGE SUMMARY

"be on your guard" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used as a warning or caution to someone to be careful and alert in a particular situation. For example: "As you explore the unfamiliar forest, be on your guard for any dangerous animals that may be lurking nearby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Could you help me with this one point?' An experienced advocate knows that you have to be on your guard, because he's probably found the one issue that puts your case on the line".

The New Yorker

And He said to them, "Beware and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does life consist of his possessions.

WikiHow

· DO be on your guard.

The Guardian - Travel

But you'd better be on your guard.

The New York Times

You have to be on your guard at all times".

The New York Times

"You have to be on your guard," she said.

The New York Times

If you're offered a free pension review, for instance, be on your guard.

Independent

Be sensible and just remember that you have to be on your guard.

The Guardian - Tech

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 advise someone to be cautious and alert, especially in situations where there might be potential risks or threats. For example, when discussing online security, you might say, "When entering personal information online, be on your guard for phishing attempts".

Common error

Avoid using "be on your guard" in situations where simple politeness or common sense is sufficient. Overusing it can make you sound unnecessarily alarmist. For instance, instead of saying "When meeting new people, be on your guard, " it's better to advise general awareness: "When meeting new people, be aware of your surroundings".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on your guard" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to adopt a state of vigilance and caution. Ludwig provides many examples of its use in contexts where potential threats or dangers are present, supporting this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be on your guard" is a commonly used phrase that advises caution and alertness, primarily functioning as an imperative. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, general advice, and situations with potential risks. It strikes a balance between a serious warning and general advice, making it neutrally registered. When writing, ensure you use this phrase when conveying the need for vigilance in situations where caution is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stay vigilant

Focuses on maintaining a state of alertness.

Remain watchful

Emphasizes the act of observing carefully.

Exercise caution

Highlights the need for careful action and awareness of risks.

Be alert

Stresses the importance of being attentive and responsive.

Keep an eye out

Suggests watching for something specific or potential threats.

Stay attentive

Focuses on maintaining attention and awareness.

Be careful

A general warning to avoid potential harm or mistakes.

Look out

A direct warning to pay attention to immediate surroundings.

Watch your back

Implies a need to protect oneself from potential betrayal or danger.

Keep your eyes peeled

Emphasizes thorough and persistent observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "be on your guard" to advise caution, such as, "When traveling in crowded areas, be on your guard against pickpockets" or "If you receive unsolicited emails, "be on your guard" for potential scams".

What does "be on your guard" mean?

"Be on your guard" means to be cautious, alert, and watchful, especially in situations where there is a potential risk, threat, or danger. It's a warning to pay close attention to your surroundings and be prepared for possible problems.

Which is more appropriate: "be on your guard" or "be careful"?

"Be careful" is a general warning to avoid harm or mistakes in a wide range of situations. "Be on your guard" is more specific, advising vigilance against potential threats or dangers. Use "be careful" for general situations and "be on your guard" when specific risks are present.

What are some alternatives to "be on your guard"?

Alternatives to "be on your guard" include "stay vigilant", "remain watchful", or "exercise caution", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.