keep guard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep guard" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to mean "to remain watchful or vigilant," and can be used in various contexts. Example: The soldiers were instructed to keep guard at the border, watching for any signs of enemy activity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Israeli soldiers keep guard.

Independent

"We count on having to keep guard for some time".

The New York Times

"One of the [former medical school] staff who knew the facts lived in the building to keep guard," she said.

Independent

Each night, male relatives gather to keep guard at the courtyard house of the former gym instructor.

The Washington Post

It was thought that a Dragic deal would mean that the Suns would keep guard Isaiah Thomas.

The Guardian - Sport

Local residents said late on Saturday that al-Shabaab deployed additional fighters in Barawe to keep guard at the beach where the navy Seals landed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"We can't just keep guarding and looking after these homes," he said.

The New York Times

If you keep guarding them, it will be harder for them to move around.

WikiHow

Soldiers wearing flak jackets and holding machine guns kept guard.

The Washington Post

We dimmed the lights, locked the doors and my dad kept guard near the front windows.

The New York Times

A table was at the other, where a police representative kept guard.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep guard", specify what is being guarded to provide context and clarity. For example, "The soldiers were instructed to keep guard over the prisoners."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "keep guard" solely implies physical protection. It can also refer to protecting intangible assets or information, so be precise in your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep guard" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence or clause. It expresses the action of protecting something by maintaining watch or vigilance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

19%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep guard" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase that emphasizes vigilance and protection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and various examples illustrate its use in News & Media, Academia, Wiki, and Science. While generally neutral, its register can become more formal depending on the context. When using the term, specify what is being protected to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "stand watch" or "maintain vigilance" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep watch

Similar to "keep guard", but less formal.

hold watch

Implies taking responsibility for guarding during a specific period.

stand watch

Focuses more on the act of watching than the act of protecting.

stay vigilant

Focuses on the state of being watchful and alert.

maintain vigilance

Emphasizes the need for sustained attentiveness and alertness.

be on the lookout

Suggests actively searching for potential threats or problems.

remain on duty

Highlights the obligation or assigned task of guarding.

provide security

Focuses on ensuring safety and protection from potential threats.

oversee protection

Emphasizes the supervisory role in ensuring protection.

patrol the area

Implies a mobile form of guarding, involving regular circuits.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep guard" to describe the act of protecting something by remaining watchful. For example: "The security team will "maintain vigilance" and keep guard over the building during the night."

What are some synonyms for "keep guard"?

Some synonyms for "keep guard" include "stand watch", "maintain vigilance", or "remain on duty". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "keep guard" or "kept guard"?

The choice between "keep guard" and "kept guard" depends on the tense of the sentence. Use "keep guard" for present or future actions and "kept guard" for past actions. For example: "They will keep guard tonight" vs. "They "remained on duty" and kept guard yesterday".

What is the difference between "keep guard" and "keep guarding"?

"Keep guard" generally describes the act of maintaining watch, while "keep guarding" implies a continuous action of protecting. For example: "The dog must keep guard over the house" versus "The dog will keep guarding the yard all night".