keep guards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep guards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are instructing someone to maintain or retain security personnel or protective measures. Example: "To ensure the safety of the premises, we need to keep guards stationed at all entrances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was almost 16 hours before jail officials noticed their absence during the regular 8pm headcount, which had been delayed by an hour due to a fight involving other inmates, which authorities believe may have been staged to keep guards from noticing the men were missing.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Israeli soldiers keep guard.

Independent

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Sport

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

Independent

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

He returns to the window to keep guard.

Vice

While half the men keep guard duty, the others gather on a bamboo bench.

Vice

In the film, Sarsgaard played an air marshall, who is ordered to keep guard of Jodie Foster's character.

Wikipedia

My advice to Londoners is to lock down a decent flat now, and keep guard over your Cornish pasties.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep guards", specify the location or purpose for clarity. For instance, "keep guards at the entrance" or "keep guards on patrol" enhances understanding and provides context.

Common error

Avoid using "keep guards" without specifying what or whom they are guarding. Without context, the phrase lacks a specific meaning and may confuse readers. Always specify the object of protection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep guards" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "keep" acts as the verb, and "guards" as the direct object, indicating the act of maintaining or retaining security personnel. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep guards" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of maintaining security personnel. Ludwig AI confirms this. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in diverse contexts, primarily in news, media, wiki, and science. To enhance clarity, specify the location or purpose of the guards. Alternative phrases include "maintain security personnel" or "retain security staff". When using the phrase, ensure there is no vagueness about whom or what the guards are protecting. Overall, "keep guards" is a direct and clear way to express the need to maintain a security presence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain security personnel

Focuses on the active maintenance of security personnel rather than just keeping them.

retain security staff

Emphasizes the act of retaining existing security staff.

keep watch

A simpler variation focusing on maintaining observation.

provide protection

Shifts the focus from the personnel to the act of providing protection.

ensure surveillance

Highlights the aspect of surveillance and monitoring.

uphold vigilance

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a state of high alertness.

secure the perimeter

Focuses on the physical act of securing an area.

station sentries

Refers to the act of positioning sentries or lookouts.

post watchmen

Implies the deployment of individuals specifically to watch over something.

stand watch

Describes the act of actively being on the lookout or guarding.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep guards" to indicate maintaining security personnel in a certain location or for a specific purpose, such as "We must "keep guards" at all entrances to ensure the building's safety".

What are some alternatives to saying "keep guards"?

Alternatives include "maintain security personnel", "retain security staff", or "ensure surveillance" depending on the specific context you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of maintaining security.

Is it better to say "keep guards" or "maintain security"?

Both phrases are valid, but "maintain security" is a broader term that could involve various measures beyond just having guards. "Keep guards" specifically refers to retaining security personnel.

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

"Keep guarding" implies the act of continuously watching or protecting, while ""keep guards"" means to maintain the presence of security personnel. The former focuses on the action, and the latter on the personnel.