to be guarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be guarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is cautious or protective about their feelings, thoughts, or actions. Example: "In discussions about her personal life, she tends to be guarded, revealing only what she feels comfortable sharing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Something that needed to be guarded against".

The New York Times

Both are extremes to be guarded against.

Independent

She had to be guarded by policemen.

The Guardian

Sometimes it's easier to be guarded by a shot blocker.

The New York Times

Yet in person, many found him to be guarded.

The New York Times - Sports

I think we need to be guarded about that".

The Guardian

So we've got to be guarded in our generosity.

The New York Times

The beat reporters might have found Willie to be guarded.

The New York Times

Everyone on The Bachelor claims to be guarded.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is the human condition to be guarded.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was not felt that food cravings were something to be guarded against or resisted.

Eating Behaviors

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "to be guarded" in your writing, consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended level of protection or caution. Is it physical security, emotional reserve, or a more abstract concept?

Common error

Avoid using "to be guarded" in overly casual or informal situations where simpler terms like "careful" or "cautious" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be guarded" primarily functions as a passive infinitive verb phrase. Ludwig examples showcase its use in expressing the need for protection or the act of being cautious, indicating a state or action performed upon a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be guarded" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the need for protection, caution, or vigilance. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from physical security to emotional reserve, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. While generally neutral in register, avoiding overuse in casual contexts ensures its impact. Understanding its nuances and context-specific applications allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be protected

Focuses on the state of being shielded from harm or danger, emphasizing the act of providing security.

to be shielded

Implies a more active form of defense, often against specific threats or elements.

to be watched over

Emphasizes continuous observation and care, suggesting a benevolent or supervisory role.

to be kept safe

Highlights the intention and effort to maintain a secure and unharmed condition.

to be supervised

Focuses on oversight and monitoring, often in a professional or controlled environment.

to be monitored

Implies systematic tracking and observation, often using technological means.

to be kept under surveillance

Emphasizes covert or overt observation for security or investigative purposes.

to be secured

Focuses on making something safe and preventing unauthorized access or harm.

to be defended

Implies active resistance against potential threats or attacks.

to be preserved

Highlights the act of maintaining something in its original condition, often from decay or damage.

FAQs

How can I use "to be guarded" in a sentence?

You can use "to be guarded" to describe something that needs protection, like "The museum's artifacts need "to be guarded" against theft", or to describe someone who is cautious, like "She tends "to be guarded" about her personal life".

What are some alternatives to "to be guarded"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to be protected", "to be shielded", or "to be watched over". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to use "to be guarded" or "to be protected"?

"To be guarded" often implies a more active, watchful form of protection, while "to be protected" suggests a more passive state of being shielded from harm. The best choice depends on the specific context and intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "to be guarded" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "to be guarded" in both formal and informal contexts when you want to convey a sense of caution, protection, or vigilance. Ensure that the level of formality matches the tone of your writing.