keep guard against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep guard against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to remain vigilant or cautious about potential dangers or threats. Example: "It is important to keep guard against any potential risks that could affect your health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Given this ideology, the temptation or danger is real to say that you don't have any need of God, that the spirit doesn't exist," said Msgr. Fiorenzo Facchini, an Italian priest and paleoanthropologist. "And the church should keep guard against this and denounce it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So let's keep guarding against the proliferation of for-profit entities in the charter space, insisting on financial transparency, and demanding that charters and districts find ways to work collaboratively.

Huffington Post

Israeli soldiers keep guard.

Independent

For example, under Basel banks can lower the amount of capital they're required to keep to guard against losses by using derivatives and other exotic financial instruments.

Huffington Post

But, analysts said, both companies would do well to keep their guard up against other digital predators.

The New York Times

Deputy Defense Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz warned America's allies in Asia today to keep their guard up against terrorist activities within their borders, cautioning that even nations with large Muslim populations remain targets for attack by Islamic extremists.

The New York Times

A1 Asian Allies Cautioned Deputy Defense Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz, in Singapore for a three-day regional security conference, warned America's allies in Asia to keep their guard up against terrorism within their borders, cautioning that even nations with large Muslim populations are targets for attack by Islamic extremists.

The New York Times

But one of the obstacles that we confront is the emergence of that kind of despair — so, in a sense, Vonnegut's quote is intended to startle but also to allow me to make the case that those who want to solve the crisis should keep their guard up against that kind of despair, because it drains energy and is inappropriate and unnecessary at this stage.

The New Yorker

At that point Mr Gorbachev, perestroika and the prospect of a freer Eastern Europe could conceivably end in military crackdown.That is a prospect that the West must keep up its guard against, as it revels in the news from central Europe.

The Economist

Set these swirling currents of funny money flowing across the world each morning against the shrinking reserves that banks were required to keep liquid and guard against very rainy days, and anyone who understood the true situation could see big, big trouble building.

The Guardian - Books

The C.C.M.I. was formed fifteen years ago so that the cashmere industry could act collectively in maintaining cashmere's reputation as a luxury item of dependable and enduring quality, and the organization's aim is both to raise consumer awareness and to keep retailers on guard against selling flawed supplies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep guard against", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific threat or danger you are being vigilant about. For example, "We must keep guard against complacency" is more effective than simply saying "We must keep guard."

Common error

Avoid using "keep guard against" in vague or overly broad contexts. Instead of saying "We must keep guard against problems", specify the potential issues: "We must keep guard against technical glitches and security breaches".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep guard against" functions as a phrasal verb, expressing the act of maintaining vigilance and taking precautions to prevent something undesirable from happening. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid, indicating that it is a recognized and accepted construction in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep guard against" is a phrasal verb that advises vigilance and proactive prevention against potential threats. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and commonly used phrase, appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly specifies the potential danger. While alternatives such as "remain vigilant against" or "be on the lookout for" exist, "keep guard against" provides a straightforward and effective way to emphasize the need for caution. Common usage patterns span across news, media, and general knowledge domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain vigilant against

Focuses on sustained alertness as a defense.

stay watchful for

Highlights continuous observation for potential threats.

be on the lookout for

Emphasizes active searching and anticipation of risks.

exercise caution regarding

Implies careful and deliberate action to avoid problems.

take precautions against

Stresses proactive measures to mitigate potential dangers.

be wary of

Suggests a cautious approach due to distrust or potential harm.

protect oneself from

Focuses on safeguarding personal well-being from external threats.

defend against

Highlights the act of shielding from an attack.

shield from

Emphasizes providing a protective barrier.

monitor for

Stresses the regular observation for any signs of trouble.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep guard against" to advise vigilance against potential dangers or threats. For example: "It is important to "keep guard against" any potential risks that could affect your health."

What are some alternatives to "keep guard against"?

Alternatives include "remain vigilant against", "stay watchful for", or "be on the lookout for", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "keep guard against" or "keep guarding against"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Keep guard against" may be slightly more formal, while "keep guarding against" emphasizes the ongoing action of guarding.

What's the difference between "keep guard against" and "protect oneself from"?

"Keep guard against" implies a proactive stance of vigilance, while "protect oneself from" suggests a more reactive approach of shielding from immediate threats.