guards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to individuals or mechanisms that protect or defend something. Example: "The guards at the museum ensured that no one touched the priceless artifacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The guards started to shout loudly in a language I could not differentiate.

The Guardian

I took a bite off the sandwich and kept the rest in my hand till the guards collected the trash.

The Guardian

I always tried to avoid contact with those violent guards unless it was extremely necessary.

The Guardian

The guards started to pull us out of the plane.... Stop!" I couldn't walk, for my feet were unable to carry me.

The Guardian

Inside the truck, the guards shouted, "Sit down!" Cross your legs!" I didn't understand the last part but they crossed my legs anyway.

The Guardian

She was released on bail after two months but was rearrested in January after posting a video on YouTube describing how prison guards mistreated her physically while she was in jail.

The Guardian

But if there is a hub, a clearing house for the complex, cynical and murderous business of trafficking migrants, then it is a place where the state is defunct and society disenchanted, where the border guards are biddable for $400, where the beaches are broad and where the sea lapping the shore stretches north to another far more promising coastline.

The Guardian

Stop off along the way at Calke Abbey to join the National Trust's seven-night working holiday maintaining pathways and constructing tree guards.

The Guardian - Travel

The country boosted security on its 500-mile border with Iraq in July, deploying thousands of troops to back up border guards after the jihadis captured Mosul, seized swaths of territory including Anbar province, and announced a caliphate straddling the border with Syria.

The Guardian

They point out that the Brotherhood leaders, most of whom had been arrested only days earlier, left jail along with 20,000 other prisoners after prison guards left their positions en masse amid the chaos of the revolution in early 2011.

The Guardian

Surrounded by private security guards and accompanied by his 26-year old wife, Noor, Nadir touched down at Luton airport before sweeping into his new Mayfair base in London from where he promised to clear his name at the Old Bailey next month.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to "guards", specify their role or affiliation for clarity (e.g., "prison guards", "security guards", "border guards"). This adds precision and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "guards" without specifying their function or location. For example, instead of saying "the guards were present", specify "the security guards were patrolling the building" to provide more detail.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "guards" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple individuals or entities responsible for providing security, protection, or supervision. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "guards" is a very common plural noun used to refer to individuals responsible for providing security, protection, or supervision. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in English. The most frequent context for its use is in news and media, where it often refers to security personnel, prison guards, or border guards. While generally neutral in register, the tone can vary depending on the specific context. When writing, it's best practice to specify the type or role of the "guards" for added clarity. Common alternatives include "security personnel" and "protectors", each carrying slightly different connotations. Avoiding overgeneralization by specifying their function is a key consideration to enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

security personnel

Replaces "guards" with a more formal term emphasizing the personnel aspect of security.

protectors

A general term emphasizing the role of guarding and defending, applicable in various scenarios.

protective forces

Emphasizes the active role of protection, suitable in contexts where defense is highlighted.

defense forces

More directly refers to organized military or security units providing protection.

sentry forces

Focuses on the role of guards as sentries or watchmen, typically in military or restricted settings.

patrolling officers

Highlights the active patrolling aspect of the guard's duties, useful in law enforcement or security contexts.

security detail

Indicates a specific group of people assigned to protect someone or something.

watchmen

A more traditional term for "guards", emphasizing their role as observers and protectors.

wardens

Implies a custodial or supervisory role, often used in prisons or protected areas.

custodians

Focuses on the act of safeguarding and overseeing, suitable in contexts where preservation is key.

FAQs

What is the difference between "guards" and "security personnel"?

"Guards" is a more general term, while "security personnel" is a more formal and professional term that often implies specific training and responsibilities.

When should I use "guards" instead of "protectors"?

"Guards" typically refers to individuals employed to protect property or people, while "protectors" can refer to anyone or anything that provides defense or safeguard. "Guards" is more specific in its application.

Can "guards" be used in a metaphorical sense?

While primarily used to refer to actual security personnel, "guards" can be used metaphorically to describe something that provides a protective function, such as "immune system guards against disease".

What are some common types of "guards"?

Common types include security guards, prison guards, border guards, and "private security guards". The specific type depends on the context and the entity they are protecting.