guard against

USAGE SUMMARY

"guard against" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used to refer to being careful or taking steps to protect oneself from potential harm or danger. For example, "We must guard against the spread of misinformation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

6. Guard Against Threats.

Harvard University

Guard against temptation.

Harvard University

Government needs to guard against their malfeasance.

The New York Times - Health

They also try to guard against abuses.

The New York Times

We have to guard against this".

Independent

To guard against trouble with the carburetor.

The New Yorker

"You have to guard against that.

The New York Times - Sports

Please be my guard against them.

The New Yorker

No one can guard against every danger.

The New York Times

Transparency is another guard against unintentional bias.

Stanford University

We have to guard against that.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guard against", clearly specify what potential threat or negative outcome you are trying to prevent. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "guard against" in vague or general statements. Always specify the potential risk or threat you are trying to prevent to give the phrase more meaning. For instance, instead of saying "We must guard against errors", specify what kind of errors you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guard against" functions as a verb phrase indicating a precautionary action. It suggests taking measures to prevent something negative from occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to express the act of protecting oneself from potential harm or danger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "guard against" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that advises taking precautions against potential threats. Ludwig AI validates this, noting its frequent use in expressing the need to protect oneself from harm. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media and Academia, indicating its versatility and widespread applicability. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the potential threat you're guarding against. Alternatives like "protect against" can be used to convey similar meanings. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively incorporate "guard against" into their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protect against

Focuses more on providing a shield or defense.

defend against

Emphasizes resistance and warding off an attack.

shield against

Implies covering or sheltering from something harmful.

take precautions against

Highlights the act of planning and implementing safety measures.

be wary of

Suggests a state of caution and vigilance.

foresee and prevent

Focuses on anticipating and stopping something before it happens.

mitigate the risk of

Highlights reducing the severity or impact of potential dangers.

avert

Implies turning away or preventing something undesirable from occurring.

forestall

Stresses the act of preventing something by acting in advance.

counteract

Implies acting against something to neutralize its effects.

FAQs

How can I use "guard against" in a sentence?

You can use "guard against" to express the need to protect against a potential threat or negative outcome. For example, "We must guard against misinformation" or "It's important to guard against complacency".

What are some alternatives to "guard against"?

Alternatives to "guard against" include "protect against", "defend against", or "take precautions against". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "guard against" or "protect against"?

"Guard against" and "protect against" are often interchangeable, but "guard against" can sometimes imply a more proactive stance, while "protect against" focuses on providing a shield or defense. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "guard against" mean?

"Guard against" means to take precautions or measures to prevent something undesirable from happening. It implies being vigilant and proactive in avoiding potential risks or threats.