building watchman

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "building watchman" is not a standard expression in written English, but it can be understood in context.
It can be used to refer to a person responsible for monitoring or overseeing a building, such as a security guard or caretaker. Example: "The building watchman ensured that all doors were locked at night and monitored the security cameras."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On my way out, I stopped to talk to the building watchman, whom I found chain-smoking in a small office.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I know I did it because the building's night watchman saw me leave.

The New York Times

Alone in the predawn silence -- I am fairly certain that I was the only visitor in the sanctuary -- I sat next to a reconstructed thatched building called the Watchman's Hut.

The New York Times - Travel

'There's a dead Hindu in the building," says the Muslim watchman.

The New York Times - Magazine

I climbed the narrow, dark staircase at the back of the building and met a watchman, who told me in broken English to come back tomorrow.

Forbes

Afghan officials said that one civilian, the watchman for the building, was wounded.

The New York Times

Last September, Pallavi Purkayastha, a young lawyer with a live-in boyfriend, was viewed in much the same way by the watchman of her building in newly gentrified Wadala.

The New York Times

I walked down the street, where a watchman sat near another building.

The New Yorker

The war became central to Little Gidding as Eliot adds in aspects of his own experience while serving as a watchman at the Faber building during the London blitz.

Wikipedia

Just to list a few of the stop gap minimum wage jobs I held along the way - gas station attendant, night watchmen in an apartment building, data entry clerk and delivery van driver.

Huffington Post

A night watchman from a nearby apartment building was shot and killed as he went to Mr. Zaghal's aid, Palestinians here said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "building watchman", ensure the context is clear, as it might be interpreted as either a general caretaker or a dedicated security person. Consider using more specific terms if clarity is needed.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "building watchman" has extensive security training. The term can simply refer to someone who generally oversees the building.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "building watchman" functions as a compound noun, identifying a person responsible for guarding and overseeing a building. As Ludwig AI highlights, it isn't a standard phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "building watchman" refers to an individual who oversees and guards a building. Ludwig AI considers this phrase not standard, but understandable in context. While grammatically acceptable, the term is relatively rare and primarily found in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "building security guard" or "building supervisor" may offer greater clarity. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the specific responsibilities and level of authority implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

building security guard

Replaces "watchman" with a more common and contemporary term.

night watchman

Specifies the time of duty, adding a temporal dimension.

building supervisor

Focuses on the oversight aspect rather than security specifically.

security officer of the building

A more professional and official-sounding alternative.

security personnel for the building

A more formal and descriptive alternative.

building custodian

Emphasizes the caretaking duties in addition to security.

property guardian

Highlights the responsibility for the property's well-being.

building patrol

Highlights the action of monitoring the building, rather than the person.

premises monitor

Uses more technical terms for location and action.

site security

Short and emphasizes location of security.

FAQs

What does "building watchman" mean?

A "building watchman" is a person responsible for monitoring and overseeing a building, often ensuring its security and safety. The term may refer to either a dedicated security guard or a caretaker with some security responsibilities.

What can I say instead of "building watchman"?

You can use alternatives like "building security guard", "building supervisor", or "night watchman" depending on the specific context.

Is "building watchman" a formal term?

No, "building watchman" is not a particularly formal term. More formal alternatives include "security officer of the building" or "premises monitor".

What are the duties of a "building watchman"?

The duties of a "building watchman" can vary. They may include monitoring security cameras, locking doors, patrolling the premises, and responding to alarms or emergencies. It's important to specify the exact tasks when describing the role.