guarded speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guarded speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner of speaking that is cautious or restrained, often to avoid revealing too much information or to protect oneself emotionally. Example: "During the meeting, her guarded speech indicated that she was not ready to share her true feelings about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Because Turner's communication skills are rusty, Sallis gives him a constrained narrative voice, the guarded speech of a man so wary of emotion that the very act of speaking seems to leave his throat raw.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Guarded in speech and action, Bradley declined, for example, to take a stand on a school segregation crisis that threatened to rip apart the city in the late 1970s.

Los Angeles Times

Lady Thatcher's former colleagues and current supporters, however, had no need to guard their speech.

Independent

It is as current as the breath that produces it at writer's grandmother's table... Writer tells how he guards his speech against provincialisms and how he came to consider himself bilingual.

The New Yorker

It is as current as the breath that produces it at writer's grandmother's table... Writer tells how he guards his speech against provincialisms and how he came to consider himself bilingual..

The New Yorker

The nation grew to be distinguished from its Hispanic neighbors on account of its political stability, zealously guarded freedom of speech, respect for civil rights, vibrant economic growth and especially for its form of government: a functional, representative parliamentary monarchy.

Wikipedia

Everyone involved in this debate agrees that PEN should be guarding freedom of speech regardless of its content.

Vice

Mr. Hun Sen made the disclosure about his closely guarded family life in a speech at a graduation.

The New York Times

Angela Merkel created a small breathing space for David Cameron on Wednesday when she gave a guarded response to his landmark speech on Europe, paving the way for the prime minister to campaign in favour of an in-out referendum on Britain's membership of the EU at the next election.

The Guardian

Hinch promised he would not be politically correct as a senator, saying freedom of speech must be preciously guarded.

The Guardian

Freedom of speech is a precious right that must be guarded carefully.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's communication style as "guarded speech", consider providing context about why they might be cautious. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "guarded speech" when a more straightforward term like "cautious language" or "reserved expression" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guarded speech" primarily functions as a descriptive term. It characterizes a specific manner of speaking, highlighting the caution and restraint employed by the speaker. This is consistent with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "guarded speech" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a cautious and restrained manner of speaking. Ludwig indicates its usability in English. While relatively rare, its primary function is to highlight a speaker's reluctance to fully disclose information or emotions. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, reflecting its relevance in describing public figures or sensitive situations. When using "guarded speech", consider whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate and always provide context to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guarded language

Replaces "speech" with a more general term, "language", keeping the adjective "guarded".

guarded communication

Substitutes "speech" with "communication", broadening the scope to encompass various modes of expression.

cautious communication

Focuses on the act of communicating with caution, rather than the specific characteristic of speech.

reserved expression

Highlights the restraint in expressing oneself, which can include both verbal and non-verbal cues.

guarded remarks

Replaces "speech" with "remarks", focusing on specific statements made.

restrained language

Emphasizes the controlled nature of the language used, implying a deliberate choice of words.

careful articulation

Emphasizes the precision and thoughtfulness behind the way words are spoken.

diplomatic phrasing

Implies a conscious effort to choose words that are unlikely to offend or provoke.

circumspect utterance

Highlights the cautious and well-considered nature of what is spoken.

measured tone

Focuses on the controlled and deliberate quality of the voice or manner of speaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "guarded speech" to describe someone who is speaking cautiously or carefully, often to avoid revealing too much information or expressing their true feelings. For example: "During the negotiation, her "guarded speech" suggested she was hesitant to fully commit."

What are some alternatives to "guarded speech"?

Some alternatives to "guarded speech" include "cautious communication", "reserved expression", or "restrained language", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "guarded speech"?

It's appropriate to use "guarded speech" when you want to emphasize that someone's manner of speaking is intentionally cautious, often due to distrust, fear, or a desire to protect themselves. It implies more than simple politeness or formality.

What's the difference between "guarded speech" and "restrained speech"?

"Guarded speech" implies a deliberate effort to conceal information or emotions, suggesting a defensive posture. "Restrained speech", on the other hand, suggests a general control over one's words, possibly due to politeness, formality, or a desire to avoid conflict. You could use "restrained speech" when it's a matter of being polite.