become less guarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become less guarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone who is starting to open up emotionally or share more personal thoughts and feelings. Example: "After several months of therapy, she began to become less guarded about her past experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Even Ms. Kreek, who wears a stunning blond shoulder-length wig because her hair is not yet long enough to color, has become less guarded.

The New York Times

There was a hunger among most of the people I talked with for the vice president to become less guarded and more spontaneous in his public appearances.

The New York Times

"They would say, 'Oh, he's in one of those moods.' " In recent years, though, he has become less guarded about his condition, also known as bipolar disorder, and at a gala last night, Mr. Scavullo, 80, was honored by Community Access, a New York charity that provides support to people with psychiatric problems.

The New York Times

As a result I've become less guarded and I'm open to talking to people I don't know.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As the workshop leaders talked about how positive deviance had helped communities find solutions for sensitive challenges such as HIV/AIDS-risk reduction in other countries, the group became less guarded.

Harvard Business Review

He had affairs with other women, and he became less guarded about them with Pattie".

Wikipedia

Around that 90-minute mark, the conversation can become something less guarded and very special.

The Guardian

Jessica Scaperotti, a health department spokeswoman, said the city had become less specific to guard patient confidentiality, but also because the disease had become so widespread that officials were more interested in the big picture.

The New York Times

Small feeds are frequent during the guard phase, but afterward become less frequent.

Wikipedia

Those guards, threatened with punishment of their own, have become less willing to take bribes from would-be defectors, other aid groups say.

The Washington Post

Behavior might become less "average".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become less guarded" when you want to describe a process of someone gradually opening up and revealing more of themselves, often after a period of being cautious or reserved.

Common error

Avoid using "become less guarded" in situations where physical security is involved; the phrase is generally reserved for emotional or informational openness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become less guarded" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in state or behavior. It describes the process of someone transitioning from a state of caution and reserve to one of greater openness and trust. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become less guarded" is a grammatically sound and understandable English expression used to describe the process of someone opening up and revealing more of themselves. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. Related phrases like "open up more" or "let down one's guard" can offer alternative ways to express the same idea, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context of emotional or informational openness, rather than physical security.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open up more

Focuses on increased openness and willingness to share.

let down one's guard

Emphasizes a relaxation of defenses and vigilance.

lower one's defenses

Highlights the act of reducing protective barriers.

grow more trusting

Focuses on developing a greater sense of trust.

reveal more

Emphasizes the act of disclosing previously hidden information or feelings.

become more candid

Highlights an increase in frankness and honesty.

soften one's stance

Indicates a change to a more gentle or flexible position.

unbend

Focuses on becoming more relaxed and less strict.

express oneself more freely

Emphasizes the ability to communicate without restraint.

share more openly

Highlights a willingness to share thoughts and feelings without reservation.

FAQs

How can I use "become less guarded" in a sentence?

You can use "become less guarded" to describe someone who is starting to open up and share more personal information or feelings. For instance, "After therapy, she began to "become less guarded" about her past."

What are some alternatives to "become less guarded"?

Alternatives include "open up more", "let down one's guard", or "lower one's defenses", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "become less guarded"?

Yes, "become less guarded" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a decrease in caution or reserve.

What does it mean to "become less guarded"?

To "become less guarded" means to start revealing more about yourself, your thoughts, or your feelings, and to be less cautious or defensive in your interactions with others.