security official

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "security official" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who is responsible for maintaining safety and security, often in a governmental or organizational context. Example: "The security official addressed the crowd, outlining the measures in place to ensure their safety during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Beyond that, it's controlled by Obama's top national security official.

The Guardian - Opinion

The security official smiled.

The New Yorker

Then, suddenly, a security official climbed on.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Mendoza, the public security official, agreed.

The New York Times

Pakistani police officers described Mr. Davis as a "security official".

The New York Times

"They're everywhere," a second Middle Eastern security official said.

The New Yorker

"This is big news," a senior Pakistani security official said.

The New York Times

"What Unsay wants, Unsay gets," says a security official.

The Economist

"The operation depended on intelligence input," the security official said.

The New York Times

"This was lucky," a Somali security official said Saturday night.

The New York Times

"They're not stupid, these guys", says one Balkan security official.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "security official", ensure the context clearly indicates the level and scope of their authority. For example, specify 'senior security official' or 'local security official' to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "security official" when a more specific title is appropriate. Using the broad term might lack clarity, especially if their exact role (e.g., 'cybersecurity specialist', 'chief of security') is known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "security official" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase identifies a person who is charged with safety.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "security official" is a common and grammatically sound term used to identify individuals responsible for maintaining safety and security, particularly in governmental or organizational contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While very frequent in news and media, where source quality averages a score of 94, it's crucial to use more precise terms when specific roles are known to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "security officer" or "law enforcement officer" may provide greater clarity depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

security officer

Focuses more on direct security enforcement and less on official capacity.

security personnel

Broad term encompassing all staff involved in security.

law enforcement officer

Highlights the legal authority aspect of the position.

protection officer

Highlights the role of safeguarding people and properties.

national security advisor

Refers specifically to someone advising on national security matters.

government security agent

Specifies that the individual is working under the government.

security specialist

Highlights specialized knowledge and skills in security.

intelligence agent

Emphasizes the role in gathering and analyzing information for security purposes.

homeland security agent

More specific to national or domestic safety enforcement.

border patrol agent

Specifically focuses on border security and enforcement.

FAQs

How is the term "security official" typically used in news reports?

In news reports, "security official" is often used as a generic term to refer to individuals responsible for maintaining security, often without specifying their exact position or agency to protect their identity or due to the sensitive nature of the information.

What's the difference between "security official" and "security guard"?

A "security official" typically implies a higher level of authority or involvement in governmental or organizational security, whereas a "security guard" usually refers to someone directly involved in protecting premises or people.

Which is a more specific term, "security official" or "law enforcement officer"?

Law enforcement officer is more specific, indicating that the individual has legal authority to enforce laws, whereas "security official" could include roles without such direct enforcement powers.

Can I use "security official" to describe someone working in cybersecurity?

While you could use "security official", it's better to use a more precise term like "cybersecurity specialist" or "information security analyst" to accurately reflect their specific area of expertise.