building guard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "building guard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a security personnel or system responsible for monitoring and protecting a building. Example: "The building guard checked the identification of all visitors before allowing them entry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In New York, Gerta's father stuffed circulars into plastic sacks, and had a second job as a building guard.

The New York Times

As a steady stream of tourists paused in front of the landmark theater on Sunday, a building guard reassured them that the doors would be repaired promptly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When building guards told the crowd in the lobby that ticketholders would get preference, order declined and entropy increased.

The New York Times

Security industry executives said the biggest immediate demand was not for trained investigators but for building guards.

The New York Times

Then, he said, "the building guards began to shoot at us". "They were all Palestinians — no Syrian security men shot at us," Mr. Rashdan said.

The New York Times

Upon arriving at his office in a building guarded by several young men with assault rifles, Mr. Benoit, in a daily ritual, contemplates a map of the country.

The New York Times

It occupies the first and second floors of an aging building guarded by a mix of the Navy police and hired officers from Wackenhut, the company from Florida that also guards nuclear power plants, prisoners and corporate executives.

The New York Times

He works in a building guarded by a statue of John Wooden.

Los Angeles Times

An iPhone stabilizer was jerry-rigged, perfectly round holes were cut into Zentai suits, building guards were surreptitiously avoided, and Adam Villacin's awesome custom back tattoo was smoothly applied.

Vice

A car bomb in Shaab killed 12 people and injured more than 20, while in Tarmiya eight were killed and 21 injured by a suicide bomber who pulled up in a car outside a government building guarded by police.

Vice

Individuals that are largely identical genetically can be very different phenotypically, as exemplified by the reproductive division of labour between sister queens (primary egg-layers) and workers (essentially sterile female helpers), and in the social division of labour between workers that move between behavioural roles: nursing, nest building, guarding, colony defence, and foraging [20].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about security personnel, use specific titles like "security officer" or "access controller" for clarity, instead of the general term "building guard".

Common error

Avoid using "building guard" to describe security personnel outside of their specific building context. For instance, refer to personal bodyguards, military police, or security guards, with respect to their specific roles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "building guard" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig confirms this phrase is usable in written English. It denotes a person responsible for the security and surveillance of a building.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "building guard" effectively describes a person responsible for securing a building. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable for use. While generally neutral in register, its frequency across News & Media contexts highlights its common application in everyday discussions. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "security officer" or "access controller". Remember to use more specific job titles like "security guard" or "personal bodyguard" in contexts outside of the scope of protecting a physical building.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

security officer

Focuses on the officer's role in ensuring overall security, applicable in various settings, not just buildings.

building security

Emphasizes the overall security system or measures in a building.

facility guard

A guard that ensures safety of a facility like office or a building

security personnel

Emphasizes the security team or staff protecting the building.

premises security

Shifts the focus to the security measures in place at the location.

property protection

Focuses on preventing damage, theft, or unauthorized access.

door attendant

Highlights the duty of managing access to the building.

access controller

Focuses on the technological aspect of controlling entry. Alternative is more common in a formal or technological context

gatekeeper

Implies control over who or what enters the building, often in a figurative sense.

watchman

Traditional term for someone who keeps watch over a property, which might sound outdated in some context

FAQs

What is the role of a "building guard"?

A "building guard" is responsible for monitoring and protecting a building and its occupants, controlling access, and ensuring the safety and security of the premises.

What are some alternative terms for "building guard"?

You can use alternatives like "security officer", "security personnel", or "premises security" depending on the context.

Is "building guard" a formal or informal term?

"Building guard" is a neutral term suitable for general use. More formal alternatives include "security officer" or "access controller".

How does a "building guard" differ from a general "security guard"?

A "building guard" is specifically assigned to a building, while a general "security guard" may work in various locations or contexts, such as events or personal protection.