patrolling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "patrolling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the action of regularly visiting a certain area or place to check for any signs of danger or crime. For example: The police officers were patrolling the area to make sure there was no sign of illegal activity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Often the smugglers just hand the boat over to the migrants, to avoid arrest by Italian ships patrolling the Mediterranean.

The Guardian

Miami Vice (2006) Foxx reunited with Mann for a lush big-screen treatment of the 80s TV show about two roguish cops patrolling the art-deco seafront.

The Guardian - Film

Working up to 10km out to sea in hours after dark and pre-dawn, it is unavoidable to meet those patrolling Mumbai's sea defences for the Koli.

The Guardian

Extra patrols, including armed officers, are patrolling the area to provide some reassurance to the community.

The Guardian

"It is well known by all countries in the region that Australia has been patrolling the South China Sea from the air for over 30 years as part of 'operation gateway'.

The Guardian

"People are terrified of Right Sector and think that we will kill children, but we don't make a big show of it [in the east] and we wear different uniforms without recognisable insignia," he said while patrolling in central Kiev with a gas mask and a rubber truncheon.

The Guardian

And a flock of celebrity naturalists including Brian May, Chris Packham and Bill Oddie have swooped in, joining mostly British and Dutch volunteers patrolling the countryside at 5am each morning to monitor illegal shooting for the charity BirdLife Malta.

The Guardian

"At the most important times, we'll be patrolling both in uniform and undercover, and we can call on reinforcements from throughout Germany, including surveillance units, helicopters, and guard dogs," he said.

The Guardian

On Friday night, with national guard troops patrolling the city and a curfew in effect, Baltimore was largely quiet.

The Guardian

From aboard a public bus, I spot five morality police vans patrolling the streets between this square and the capital's busiest intersection downtown.

The Guardian

Then, at almost the same time Modi will be patrolling the stalls of Hanover, the Greek finance minister, Yanis Varoufakis, will be getting roughed up in Brussels.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing security measures, use "patrolling" to convey a sense of active vigilance and regular presence in a specific area. For example, "Security guards are patrolling the perimeter every hour."

Common error

Avoid using "on patrol" when the context requires a continuous action. Instead of saying "They are on patrol the streets", use "They are patrolling the streets".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "patrolling" is as a verb in its present participle form, often used in continuous tenses to describe an ongoing action. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it typically describes the act of regularly monitoring an area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patrolling" functions as a verb, primarily in its present participle form, denoting the act of regularly monitoring an area for security or order. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, leaning towards professional, it clearly conveys active surveillance. Consider alternatives like "guarding" or "monitoring" for nuanced meaning. Avoid using incorrect prepositions such as "on patrol the streets", as the proper structure is "patrolling the streets".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

policing

Specifically relates to law enforcement activities and maintaining order.

guarding

Focuses more on preventing unauthorized access or attack, implying a defensive stance.

monitoring

Emphasizes observation over time to detect changes or irregularities.

keeping watch

Highlights the act of remaining vigilant and alert for potential threats.

surveying

Suggests a systematic examination of an area, often for a specific purpose.

scouting

Emphasizes gathering information or intelligence about an area or situation.

watching over

Implies care and protection, suggesting a more benevolent form of observation.

supervising

Focuses on overseeing activities or personnel, ensuring compliance with rules or procedures.

inspecting

Involves a detailed examination to assess condition or quality.

cruising

Suggests a casual or exploratory movement through an area.

FAQs

How to use "patrolling" in a sentence?

"Patrolling" is the present participle of the verb patrol. You can use it in sentences to describe the action of regularly monitoring an area, such as: "The soldiers are "patrolling" the border."

What can I say instead of "patrolling"?

You can use alternatives like "guarding", "monitoring", or "policing" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "patrolling" and "guarding"?

"Patrolling" implies a regular movement and observation of an area, while "guarding" suggests a stationary defense against potential threats or unauthorized access.

When is it appropriate to use "patrolling" instead of "monitoring"?

"Patrolling" is best used when describing physical movement and observation in a specific area. "Monitoring" is more appropriate when referring to observing changes or irregularities over time, which may not necessarily involve physical movement.