number of guards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "number of guards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the quantity or count of guards in a specific context, such as security or protection. Example: "The number of guards assigned to the event was increased for safety reasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

*A previous version of this story mischaracterized the number of guards the ADX fields.

The Washington Post

One estimate puts the number of guards assigned to watch over the tour at 3,500.

The Economist

In the preblockbuster 1950s foot traffic was light and the number of guards small.

The New York Times - Arts

She did not describe the number of guards or the guns they were carrying.

The New York Times

To begin with, the number of guards are replaced by multiple cameras whose number should be minimized.

Pattern Recognition Letters

Interestingly, a number of guards have told me that they understood why I don't leave my cell.

The New Yorker

The innovative layout gave a smaller number of guards the ability to watch a greater number of prisoners.

The New York Times

The tightening of security within the tunnel itself, with Eurotunnel helping to increase the number of guards protecting the site.

The Guardian

As a consequence, the number of guards required from G4S increased from 2,000 to more than 10,000.

The Guardian - Sport

Patients have been tracked down and forced to return; the hospital has quadrupled the number of guards.

The New York Times

The plant increased the number of guards on each shift after Sept. 11, by having them work more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, use "number of guards" when referring to a countable quantity, rather than vague terms like "increased security".

Common error

Avoid assuming that simply increasing the "number of guards" automatically enhances security. The quality of training and strategic deployment are equally crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number of guards" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in sentences. It quantifies the personnel involved in security, protection, or surveillance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "number of guards" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase to quantify security personnel, primarily in news and media contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral, its effectiveness depends on the quality and strategic deployment of the guards, not just the quantity. Alternatives include "quantity of guards" and "total guards", but "number of guards" remains the most common and direct way to convey this information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quantity of guards

Replaces "number" with "quantity", focusing on the amount rather than the count.

amount of guards

Similar to "quantity of guards", focusing on the extent or measure.

total guards

Emphasizes the sum of all guards present.

guards count

Inverts the structure, placing emphasis on the action of counting.

guards complement

Refers to the full team of guards.

security personnel count

Uses a more formal term for guards and emphasizes the counting aspect.

the size of the guard force

Focuses on the magnitude of the entire security team.

guards strength

Refers to the size and effectiveness of the guard force.

guards contingent

Highlights the group of guards assigned to a specific task or location.

guards staffing level

Emphasizes the level at which guards are employed.

FAQs

How can I use "number of guards" in a sentence?

You can use "number of guards" in a sentence like: "The "number of guards" patrolling the perimeter has been increased." or "The safety of the event depends on the "number of guards" present".

What can I say instead of "number of guards"?

You can use alternatives like "quantity of guards", "total guards", or "guards count" depending on the context.

Is it better to specify the "number of guards" or simply say "increased security"?

Specifying the "number of guards" provides a more concrete and quantifiable measure of security compared to the vague term "increased security".

What factors, besides the "number of guards", influence security effectiveness?

Besides the "number of guards", factors like training, strategic deployment, and technology play significant roles in determining security effectiveness.