under guard

USAGE SUMMARY

"under guard" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something is being watched or guarded by someone else. For example: The King's jewels were kept under guard at all times.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Conticello's family lived under guard.

The New York Times - Travel

Both are now under guard in hospital.

The New Yorker

She remains at home under guard.

The New York Times

The funds are being held under guard at the airport.

The New York Times

He denied they had been held under guard.

The New York Times

They walk to school under guard each day.

The Guardian

Held under guard, frequently beaten, she became a prostitute.

The New York Times

He was removed, under guard, to a hospital on New Year's Day to recuperate.

The New York Times

He was transferred to a military hospital in Cairo, where he remained under guard.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It said, however, that Mr. Mubarak himself, now under guard in a hospital, reacted stoically.

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM ROGER: Mohseni travels under guard, how serious is the threat to his life?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under guard", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is providing the guard and what the purpose of the guarding is. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "under guard" when the situation only involves casual observation or light security. This phrase implies a significant level of protection and potential threat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under guard" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the state of being protected or supervised. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples, where entities are described as being kept "under guard" in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under guard" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating protection or supervision. As verified by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in news and encyclopedic contexts, conveying a sense of security or confinement. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to ensure the context warrants the implication of significant protection. Consider alternatives like ""in custody"" or "under surveillance" for nuanced meanings. Remember to specify the guard's identity and purpose for clarity. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "under guard" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in protective custody

Highlights the element of safety and protection from harm.

in custody

Focuses on the legal aspect of being held by authorities.

in detention

Focuses on being held against one's will, often in a formal setting.

under surveillance

Emphasizes monitoring and observation, not necessarily physical restraint.

held captive

Emphasizes being imprisoned or controlled by another.

escorted

Implies being accompanied by someone for protection or guidance.

under watch

Similar to surveillance, but can also imply a more general oversight.

in confinement

Stresses the restriction of movement and isolation.

protected

General term for being shielded from danger.

supervised

Highlights the act of overseeing and managing someone's actions.

FAQs

How is "under guard" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "under guard" usually describes a situation where someone or something is being protected or supervised by a person or group of people, often to prevent escape or harm. For example, "The prisoner was kept "in custody" and "under escort" at all times."

What's the difference between "under guard" and "under surveillance"?

"Under guard" implies active protection, often with physical presence, while "under surveillance" indicates monitoring, which may or may not involve direct intervention.

What can I say instead of "under guard"?

You can use alternatives like "in protective custody", "escorted", or "in confinement" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something is "under guard" by itself, or does it need more context?

While grammatically correct, "under guard" benefits from additional context to clarify who is providing the guard and the reason for the protection. For instance, "The evidence was kept "under safeguard" by the police" provides a clearer picture.