guardian of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guardian of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that protects, oversees, or takes care of a particular thing or group. Example: "As the guardian of the ancient artifacts, she ensured their preservation for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is the guardian of existing EU rules.

The Economist

This has turned it into a guardian of civil liberties.

The Economist

Elmen is the guardian of this particular device.

The New Yorker

He was a fierce guardian of our endangered watershed.

The New York Times

It cannot abdicate its role as guardian of constitutional liberties.

The New York Times - Books

Today it is the honourable guardian of the status quo.

The Economist

The army considers itself the guardian of Ataturk's legacy.

The Economist

I'm not accusing The Guardian of any wrongdoing.

Independent

Allam is a guardian of the club, not its parent.

Independent

Alice B. Toklas is now guardian of the Stein collection.

The New Yorker

Compliance is the tangible guardian of that reputation".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guardian of", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it about active defense, careful preservation, or responsible management? Choose the alternative that best fits the context to strengthen your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "guardian of" when the context implies ownership or control rather than protection. A "guardian" safeguards something without necessarily owning it. Use terms like "owner" or "controller" if those roles are more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guardian of" functions as a modifier, specifically as part of a noun phrase. It describes the role or responsibility of a person, group, or entity in protecting or maintaining something of value. Ludwig indicates that it's commonly used across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "guardian of" is a versatile expression used to denote a protective or responsible role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its frequency across various domains, including news, science, and formal business, highlights its adaptability. When considering alternatives, it's crucial to choose one that accurately reflects the intended nuance of protection, preservation, or management. Understanding the scope of responsibility is also key to avoiding misuse. The phrase is generally considered neutral to formal, making it suitable for a broad range of writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protector of

This alternative is a more direct and general term for someone who defends or safeguards someone or something.

keeper of

This alternative emphasizes maintaining or preserving something, often in a traditional or official capacity.

custodian of

This suggests a formal responsibility for the care and preservation of something.

preserver of

This highlights the act of maintaining something in its original state, often against threats of change or decay.

defender of

This implies a more active role in protecting something from attack or criticism.

champion of

This suggests someone who actively supports and promotes a cause or belief.

steward of

This emphasizes responsible management and care for something, often with a long-term perspective.

conservator of

This refers to someone who protects and restores something, often in the context of art or historical artifacts.

caretaker of

This denotes someone who provides care and supervision, often in a domestic or personal setting.

overseer of

This indicates someone who supervises and directs a process or activity.

FAQs

How is "guardian of" used in a sentence?

The phrase "guardian of" typically precedes a noun to indicate someone or something that protects or is responsible for it. For example, "The library is the guardian of knowledge" or "He is the guardian of his brother's secrets."

What can I say instead of "guardian of"?

You can use alternatives like "protector of", "keeper of", or "custodian of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "guardian for" instead of "guardian of"?

While "guardian for" might seem grammatically similar, "guardian of" is the idiomatic and widely accepted form. "Guardian for" is rarely used and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What is the difference between "guardian of" and "advocate for"?

"Guardian of" implies a protective or responsible role, while "advocate for" suggests active support and promotion of a cause or person. A guardian safeguards, while an advocate champions.