custodian

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "custodian" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has responsibility for taking care of something or someone. Example sentence: The custodian of the building is responsible for keeping all areas clean and orderly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She saw herself as the custodian of the government's covenant, direction, tempo and temper – its quality controller, as well as leader.

The Guardian

We need to have an entity that is responsible for the BBC and is the custodian of the licence fee.

The Guardian

The tax cut package is a variations of ideas already proposed by Ukip and the Liberal Democrats, but left Labour gasping at "the audacity of David Cameron offering himself as custodian of public finances, and the provider of such unfounded tax cuts".

The Guardian

As a custodian of long-term retirement funds there are few better than Neil Woodford.

The Guardian - Money

The country he leaves behind is a far better custodian of human dignity than the one whose first democratically elected president he became in 1994.

The Economist

On this recommendation, Mr Bush needs to insist on his prerogatives as custodian of America's foreign policy and just say no.

The Economist

Sir Alex presented himself as the custodian of this sacred tradition: "the keeper of the temple," he called himself.

The Economist

Webb Edward Mafeking of that clan on his birth certificate, plain Webb to us journalists the office manager and custodian of precious items including paper clips, once protested, "You had two sheets of paper yesterday .Today, it seems, paper comes into use only when the issue is printed and bound.

The Economist

The leader of the Brotherhood's political party, the Islamic Action Front, Muhammad al-Ziyoud, toys with calling for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to replace King Abdullah as the Custodian of al-Aqsa.

The Economist

And the river-level at Varanasi, Hinduism's holiest city, where Mr Mishra is the eighth-generation custofian of a temple dedicated to the monkey-god Hanuman, has fallen.

The Economist

Given how fast the budget deficit has been growing, a prudent custodian of the public finances would be raising taxes or cutting spending.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "custodian", clearly define what or whom the person or entity is responsible for to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "custodian of the records" or "custodian of the property".

Common error

Don't assume your audience understands the scope of a "custodian's" responsibilities. Explicitly state the duties involved, especially in legal or financial contexts, to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The noun "custodian" primarily functions as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting an individual or entity entrusted with the care, protection, or management of something. Ludwig examples showcase its role in various contexts, from government covenants to financial responsibilities. Ludwig AI validates its correct grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "custodian" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that refers to a person or entity entrusted with the care, protection, or management of something. Ludwig examples from sources like The Economist and The Guardian illustrate its application in various contexts, from financial oversight to cultural preservation. Ludwig AI affirms its validity in written English. While generally neutral to professional in tone, it's important to explicitly define the scope of a "custodian's" responsibilities to avoid ambiguity. Alternative terms like "guardian", "keeper" and "caretaker" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guardian

Emphasizes the protective and responsible role.

caretaker

Focuses on the aspect of providing care and maintenance.

keeper

Highlights the act of keeping safe or preserving something.

protector

Stresses the act of defending something from harm.

steward

Implies managing resources or property responsibly.

conservator

Focuses on preserving and protecting something of value.

trustee

Indicates a legal obligation to manage assets for someone else.

warden

Suggests overseeing and enforcing rules in a specific area.

attendant

Focuses on providing service and assistance.

overseer

Highlights the role of supervising and directing activities.

FAQs

How can I use "custodian" in a sentence?

You can use "custodian" to describe someone responsible for the care or protection of something, as in "The museum appointed a "caretaker" to serve as the custodian of the ancient artifacts."

What are some synonyms for "custodian"?

Synonyms for "custodian" include "guardian", "keeper", "caretaker", and "steward", each implying different aspects of care and responsibility.

Is it appropriate to use "custodian" in formal writing?

Yes, "custodian" is suitable for formal writing, especially when referring to legal, financial, or organizational roles that involve safekeeping or management responsibilities. It provides a more precise and professional tone compared to more casual alternatives.

What's the difference between a "custodian" and a "janitor"?

While both roles involve maintenance, a "custodian" generally has broader responsibilities for safekeeping and oversight, whereas a "janitor" primarily focuses on cleaning and basic maintenance tasks. The term "custodian" implies a greater level of responsibility and authority.