change of guards

USAGE SUMMARY

"change of guards" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to the rotation or replacement of security personnel, particularly in military or palace guards. Example: The palace held a solemn ceremony for the change of guards, with the old guards handing over their duties to the new recruits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Today there's a change of guards in Denmark".

Independent

I climbed the stairs at the Eiffel Tower, watched the change of guards in London and smelled the tulips in Amsterdam.

Huffington Post

What does a change of guards both in India and Pakistan mean for regional peace in South Asia where the two nuclear armed nations have fought at least three wars?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Yet China's leaders are preparing for a change of guard in 2012-13.

The Economist

With the potential for a change of guard in conservative Georgia, tensions are high.

The Guardian

He promised a fundamental change to the way the country was governed, not a mere change of guard.

The Guardian

But however much this change of guard may be welcomed by ordinary Iraqis, it has not improved security.

The Economist

There has been a change of guard at the top of the PRC – we can only hope that augers well for Lui Xiaobo.

Stanford University

And every time a change of guard appears imminent, the old guard dig in their heels and the country is plunged into deeper crisis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, since the change of guard at the beginning of the year, the CBI has played hardball on a number of issues.

The Economist

The change of guard may prompt investors to reassess the firm and give its share price a corresponding boost, say analysts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "change of guards" when referring specifically to the replacement of security personnel, especially in ceremonial or formal contexts. It implies a structured and regulated process.

Common error

Avoid using "change of guards" interchangeably with broader terms like "personnel changes" unless the context specifically involves security or guarding duties. Using more general language may be more fitting if a shift in leadership or other responsibilities is occurring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "change of guards" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the act or event of replacing one group of guards with another. This is supported by Ludwig examples that demonstrate its use in describing transitions of power or personnel.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "change of guards" is a noun phrase that refers to the replacement or rotation of security personnel. It is grammatically correct and, while not very common, is generally used in neutral to formal contexts, as indicated by Ludwig. It frequently appears in news and media sources and its intent is to describe a transition or shift in security responsibilities. Ludwig's AI suggests that the phrase is indeed valid for use in English writing, and understanding its specific connotation will allow you to use it most appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Change of officers

This alternative specifically refers to a shift in leadership positions, particularly in formal organizations.

Rotation of guards

This alternative emphasizes the cyclical nature of the replacement, suggesting a scheduled or periodic change.

Shift of guards

This alternative highlights the changing of personnel during a scheduled work period.

Change of personnel

This is a broader term encompassing any change in staff, not necessarily limited to security personnel.

Change of caregivers

This alternative refers to a shift in those providing care, typically for dependents or individuals needing assistance.

Change of agents

This refers to the substitution of representatives or actors in a specific context, such as business or espionage.

Change of agent

This alternative describes the substitution of a single representative or actor.

Change of guardian

This refers to a legal transition in the individual responsible for protecting someone's wellbeing.

Change of members

This refers to a change in the composition of a team, group, or committee.

Change of duties

This alternative describes the reassignment or shift of responsibilities from one person to another.

FAQs

How is "change of guards" used in a sentence?

You can use "change of guards" to describe a shift in security personnel, such as, "The palace held a formal ceremony for the "change of guards"."

What phrases are similar to "change of guards"?

Similar phrases include "rotation of guards", "shift of guards", or "change of personnel" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "change of guards"?

It is appropriate when referring to the formal replacement or rotation of security personnel or those responsible for guarding duties. In other cases, different terms may be more appropriate.

Is "change of guards" formal or informal?

The phrase "change of guards" tends to be more formal, often used in news reports or official announcements. More informal situations might call for a different phrase, such as "new shift".