in their guard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in their guard" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning without context.
It could be used in contexts related to being cautious or vigilant, particularly in discussions about security or defense. Example: "The soldiers remained in their guard, ready to respond to any potential threats."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He found hot tea on the stove in their guard shack and the makings of a light meal on the table.

The New York Times

Stomatal closure during the hottest part of the day was incomplete in albino leaves which lack chloroplasts in their guard cells.

Annals of Botany

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The guarded actions are grouped by the labels which occur in their guards and are assigned to the corresponding states.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Therefore, the guarded actions are first divided by the clocks (of the labels) which occur in their guards.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

The WHO's experts were not alone in relaxing their guard in May, when the outbreak appeared to recede.

The Economist

They pooled the money left in their pockets to pay a guard to bring them food.

The New York Times - Magazine

The caliphs al-Muttaqī and al-Mustakfī of the 940s were at the mercy of the Turkish slaves in their palace guard.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But former troopers explained to David Kocieniewski of The Times that balancing security and privacy gives the guarded some leeway in evading their guards.

The New York Times

And since the last FMD outbreaks in the study area were recorded in 2002 and 2003, it is natural for people in general to let their guard down once a perceived threat has passed.

Pastoralism

Every cop in America is on their guard".

The New York Times

The Americans have pushed hardest but, preoccupied by Darfur and crises farther afield, they have relaxed their guard in Sudan's south.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in their guard", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being protected. The phrase works best when it's evident whose watchfulness or defenses are being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "in their guard" when a more straightforward term like "protection" or "custody" would be clearer. This phrase can sound awkward if not used in contexts where actual guarding or vigilance is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their guard" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a state of being protected or under the watch of someone or something. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it connects an object or person to a state of protection.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in their guard" is a relatively uncommon prepositional phrase used to indicate a state of protection or vigilance. Ludwig examples show it appearing in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While grammatically acceptable, it is not as frequently used as alternatives like "under their protection" or "in their custody". Ludwig suggests that users ensure clarity in context when using the phrase, avoiding overly literal interpretations and ensuring the intended meaning of protection or custody is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under their protection

Emphasizes the act of providing shelter or defense, shifting the focus from a state of readiness to active safeguarding.

in their keeping

Highlights the notion of custody and responsibility, indicating that something is entrusted to their care.

within their defenses

Focuses on the physical or strategic barriers established for security, emphasizing containment and resistance.

under their vigilance

Stresses the attentiveness and watchfulness they employ to ensure safety and prevent threats.

in their custody

Indicates a state of being held or detained under their authority, often implying control and oversight.

in their watch

Similar to vigilance, but implies a specific period of observation and responsibility, often associated with duty shifts.

on their watch

This variation emphasizes active supervision and accountability during a designated time frame.

under their shield

Symbolizes protection and security, often suggesting a metaphorical barrier against harm or danger.

within their sphere of influence

Broadens the scope to encompass control and authority, implying a broader range of responsibilities and powers.

under their jurisdiction

Specifies that something falls under their legal or administrative authority, defining the boundaries of their control.

FAQs

How can I use "in their guard" in a sentence?

Use "in their guard" to describe something under the protection or vigilance of someone. For example, "The jewels were kept in their guard after the museum robbery".

What are some alternatives to "in their guard"?

Alternatives include "under their protection", "in their custody", or "under their vigilance" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "in their guard" formal or informal?

The phrase "in their guard" can be considered neutral but is not very common. It might be more suitable for descriptive writing than for formal reports or casual conversation.

How does "in their guard" differ from "on their guard"?

"In their guard" describes something being protected, while "on their guard" describes someone being vigilant or watchful. They have opposite meanings, "the treasure was in their guard" vs "the sentinels were on their guard".