he is guarding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is guarding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is actively protecting or watching over something or someone. Example: "He is guarding the entrance to ensure that only authorized personnel can enter the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

What are the stories of the men he is guarding and the officers he is guarding them with?

The New York Times - Books

To prevent taller players from gaining position and scoring easily against him, Hayes tries to meet the man he is guarding high in the post.

The New York Times - Sports

The rule compels each defender to remain close to the offensive player he is guarding, even if that player is in no position to score.

The New York Times - Sports

Separately, prosecutors are reported to be looking into the financing of BPL's putsch.Mr Fazio's defenders say that he is guarding the close ties between Italy's banks and small business, which has long benefited from loans subsidised from banks' retail profits.

The Economist

He can zip one way or another, stop and make half or full spins with such speed and precision that he and the player he is guarding look like synchronized swimmers.

The New York Times - Sports

In the final defensive clip, he is guarding Gordon as James Harden brings it up the court, but the Rockets have already started running their play before Morris catches on, allowing Harden to easily set the screen on him on the dribble hand off (DHO), freeing Gordon up for an open 3-pointer.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He is guarded in public but gregarious in private.

The New York Times

He is guarded when it comes to discussing where he might head next.

The Guardian

There were also a few "left-field" ideas that nobody had thought of previously ideas about which he is guarded.

The Economist

Although Sattouf's work is confessional, in person he is guarded; even his closest friends describe him as secretive.

The New Yorker

Turrell has never opened the crater to the public, and he is guarded about who sees it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is guarding" when emphasizing the act of protecting something specific, such as a person, place, or object. For a broader sense of protection, consider "he is protecting".

Common error

Avoid using "he is guarding" in situations where the protection is abstract or metaphorical. For example, instead of saying "he is guarding his reputation", use "he is protecting his reputation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is guarding" functions as a verb phrase indicating a present continuous action. It describes someone who is currently in the act of protecting or watching over something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is guarding" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the action of someone currently protecting or watching over something. Ludwig confirms this with multiple real-world examples. It's used neutrally across news, sports, and general contexts. When writing, ensure that the protection is concrete rather than abstract. Consider related phrases like "he is protecting" or "he is watching over" for alternative phrasing. The phrase's versatility makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for describing immediate protective actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he's protecting

Focuses on the act of shielding from harm or danger.

he's defending

Emphasizes the act of preventing an attack or threat.

he is shielding

Highlights the act of providing cover or protection.

he is watching over

Implies a sense of care and supervision.

he is supervising

Focuses on overseeing an activity or person.

he is overseeing

Similar to supervising, but may imply a higher level of authority.

he is patrolling

Indicates a regular movement to ensure security.

he is manning

Suggests staffing a post for defensive purposes.

he is on watch

Highlights the act of being vigilant and alert.

he is on sentry duty

Specifies a formal duty of guarding a post.

FAQs

How can I use "he is guarding" in a sentence?

You can use "he is guarding" to describe someone protecting a person, place, or thing, such as "he is guarding the entrance" or "he is guarding the president".

What are some alternatives to "he is guarding"?

Alternatives include "he is protecting", "he is defending", or "he is watching over", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "he is guarding" and "he is protecting"?

"He is guarding" often implies a specific post or object being protected, while "he is protecting" can refer to a broader act of defense or care. For example, "he is guarding the treasure" (specific) vs. "he is protecting his family" (broader).

When is it appropriate to use "he is guarding" versus "he was guarding"?

Use "he is guarding" for present actions and "he was guarding" for past actions. For example, "he is guarding the perimeter" (now) vs. "he was guarding the building last night" (past).