guarded by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guarded by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is protected or secured by a person, group, or mechanism. Example: "The treasure was hidden deep within the cave, guarded by a fierce dragon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They were being guarded by the Kurds".

The Guardian

His home is guarded by police.

The Guardian

The cave in which he sleeps is guarded by ravens.

Independent

(Their other flank was guarded by a fence, and police).

The New Yorker

Each barrier was guarded by men with automatic weapons.

The New Yorker

The eggs of characins are commonly guarded by the male.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its approaches were guarded by small gauntlet of road barriers.

The New Yorker

National frontiers were fiercely guarded by soldiers and customs men.

The Economist

Sometimes it's easier to be guarded by a shot blocker.

The New York Times

On one drive, Holiday found himself guarded by Stoudemire.

The New York Times - Sports

The right of access is guarded by the parliamentary ombudsman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guarded by", ensure the subject is capable of providing adequate protection or security. For example, 'The museum was guarded by trained security personnel' is more effective than 'The museum was guarded by a single, elderly volunteer'.

Common error

Avoid using "guarded by" when describing abstract concepts or intangible things. Instead of saying 'His reputation was guarded by lies', consider using 'His reputation was shielded by lies' or 'His reputation was obscured by lies' for a more accurate representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guarded by" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates the agent or entity responsible for providing protection or security. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "guarded by" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is being protected or secured. Ludwig AI identifies it as such. It appears frequently in various contexts, especially within News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. When employing "guarded by", consider the level of protection being offered and avoid using it in abstract senses, where alternatives like "protected by" or "shrouded in" may be more appropriate. Remember that while many options exist, "guarded by" remains a clear and effective choice when describing physical protection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protected by

Focuses on the act of shielding from harm rather than constant surveillance.

defended by

Implies a more active role in fending off attacks or threats.

secured by

Highlights the safety and stability provided by the guarding entity.

overseen by

Suggests supervision and management, rather than physical protection.

supervised by

Similar to "overseen by", implying monitoring and control.

escorted by

Indicates accompaniment for safety or prestige.

patrolled by

Describes regular monitoring of an area to maintain security.

attended by

Implies presence and service, rather than strict guarding.

sheltered by

Focuses on providing cover and refuge.

maintained by

Suggests upkeep and preservation, which can indirectly contribute to security.

FAQs

How can I use "guarded by" in a sentence?

Use "guarded by" to describe something being protected or watched over. For example, "The entrance to the secret chamber was "guarded by" two imposing statues".

What phrases are similar to "guarded by"?

Alternatives include "protected by", "defended by", or "secured by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'The secret was guarded by silence'?

While grammatically correct, it's more common to say 'The secret was shrouded in silence' or 'The secret was protected by silence'. "Guarded by" typically refers to physical protection. Consider using phrases like "shrouded in" or "protected by" for abstract concepts.

What's the difference between "guarded by" and "monitored by"?

"Guarded by" implies active protection against threats, while "monitored by" suggests observation and tracking. A building might be "guarded by" security personnel, while online activity might be "monitored by" software.