custodians

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "custodians" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or entities responsible for the care, maintenance, or protection of something, such as property, information, or cultural heritage. Example: "The custodians of the museum ensure that all artifacts are preserved and displayed properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their slot has, instead, been taken by a BFI cocktail reception celebrating their position as the new custodians of both British film culture and film production.

The Guardian - Film

"We are also the custodians of some great responsibilities".

The Guardian

These custodians of the public debate will be broadly right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Zoos realised they were no longer just exhibitors, but custodians.

The Economist

They include three titans JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley as well as two regional banks, three custodians and two credit-card issuers.The move was made possible by a recent market thaw that allowed relatively healthy banks to go on a capital-raising spree.

The Economist

I glimpse a flash of the distinctive "egg-and-bacon" yellow-and-pink tie of the Marylebone Cricket Club, the custodians of the laws of cricket, whose home is Lord's.

The Economist

Most institutional investors, including pension funds, lend their shares through custodians for various purposes, including short-selling, in return for a fee.

The Economist

As automated systems that can make more accurate calls than humans are refined and demonstrated, football's custodians may find that pressure for their adoption becomes too great to resist.

The Economist

Aid money cannot bridge that gap, and the custodians of the MDGs should not pretend otherwise.

The Economist

A statue donated by a German church has been crushed to dust by a bulldozer.The besieged clerics say that they are not being held hostage by the gunmen but are custodians of the shrine, protecting its sanctity.

The Economist

More importantly, it will be the new number one in global custody (also known as asset servicing), overtaking JPMorgan Chase and cementing American dominance of that business (see chart).Global custodians safeguard and administer securities for banks, mutual funds and other institutional investors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "custodians", ensure the context clearly indicates what they are responsible for protecting or maintaining. For instance, specify "custodians of the environment" or "custodians of historical artifacts".

Common error

Avoid using "custodians" in contexts where the responsibility is vague or undefined. For example, instead of saying "they are the custodians", specify what they are custodians of.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "custodians" is as a plural noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to multiple individuals or entities that hold a specific responsibility. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "custodians" functions as a plural noun, denoting individuals or entities entrusted with protecting or maintaining something valuable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this term is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage, especially in News & Media. The most common usage is to describe the roles and responsibilities of protecting or managing something important. While "custodians" enjoys broad applicability, it is advisable to specify what they are custodians of, ensuring clarity and precision in communication. Alternative terms like "keepers", "guardians", and "stewards" can provide nuanced options depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keepers

Refers to someone who guards or protects something, similar to a caretaker, but can also imply a holder of information or secrets.

guardians

Implies a protective role, often with legal or moral responsibility, particularly towards vulnerable individuals or valuable assets.

stewards

Suggests a responsible management role, often involving resources or assets that belong to someone else, with an emphasis on careful use and preservation.

caretakers

Focuses on the act of providing care and maintenance, often for property or living things.

preservers

Highlights the act of maintaining something in its original condition, preventing damage or decay.

protectors

Emphasizes safeguarding something from harm or danger, often implying a proactive role in defense.

defenders

Implies active protection against threats or attacks, often with a sense of duty or loyalty.

conservators

Highlights the careful management and preservation of cultural or historical artifacts or natural resources.

trustees

Refers to individuals or entities legally responsible for managing assets or property on behalf of others.

safeguarders

Emphasizes the act of ensuring safety and security, often with a focus on preventing loss or damage.

FAQs

What does "custodians" mean?

"Custodians" refers to individuals or groups responsible for protecting, preserving, or maintaining something of value, whether it's physical property, cultural heritage, or abstract concepts.

How can I use "custodians" in a sentence?

You can use "custodians" to describe someone who has a duty to care for something. For example, "The museum's staff are the "custodians" of its valuable artifacts."

What can I say instead of "custodians"?

You can use alternatives like "keepers", "guardians", or "stewards" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "custodians"?

"Custodians" is appropriate in contexts where there is a clear responsibility for the care, maintenance, or protection of something. This could be in relation to cultural heritage, financial assets, environmental resources, or other areas where responsible stewardship is required.