was guarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was guarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being protected or kept safe from harm or scrutiny, often in a metaphorical sense regarding emotions or information. Example: "During the meeting, her tone was guarded, indicating that she was not ready to share her true feelings about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stosur was guarded.

The New York Times

Delaney was guarded but garrulous.

The New Yorker

He was guarded.

The New York Times - Magazine

Initial reaction was guarded.

The Guardian

He was guarded about his activities.

Independent

That man was guarded, brittle.

The Guardian

I'd say he was guarded".

The Guardian

Altria Group was guarded in its reaction.

The Washington Post

Camby, however, was guarded in his celebration.

The New York Times - Sports

But he was guarded about his work.

The New Yorker

Here he was guarded night and day.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, use "was guarded" to suggest they are being cautious about revealing their true feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "was guarded" when you mean something was simply watched or supervised. "Was guarded" implies a level of threat or need for protection, not just observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was guarded" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject received protection or was under surveillance. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was guarded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, primarily found in news and media contexts. It describes a state of being protected or watched over, carrying a neutral tone that can adapt to various situations from physical security to emotional restraint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Remember to use it when you need to imply a level of protection or caution, and avoid overusing it in simple observational contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was protected

Focuses on the act of being shielded from harm or danger.

was shielded

Suggests a barrier or cover providing protection.

was defended

Emphasizes active resistance against an attack or threat.

was tight-lipped

Highlights a reluctance to speak or reveal information.

was wary

Implies a cautiousness due to potential dangers or problems.

was cautious

Highlights a careful and wary approach to avoid risks.

was vigilant

Emphasizes being alert and watchful to avoid danger.

was circumspect

Implies prudence and careful consideration of all circumstances.

was discreet

Indicates a tendency to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

was reserved

Suggests a restrained and formal manner.

FAQs

How can I use "was guarded" in a sentence?

Use "was guarded" to indicate protection, caution, or a reserved demeanor. For example, "The building "was guarded" by soldiers", or "She "was guarded" in her response to the controversial question".

What can I say instead of "was guarded"?

You can use alternatives like "was protected", "was cautious", or "was defended" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "was guarded" and "was protected"?

"Was guarded" often implies a continuous state of watchfulness and potential threat, while "was protected" can suggest a more general state of being shielded from harm, or active action to make it so.

Which is correct, "was guarded by" or "was guarded with"?

"Was guarded by" is generally used when indicating who or what is providing the protection (e.g., "The entrance "was guarded by" police"). "Was guarded with" is used less frequently but can be appropriate when specifying the means of protection (e.g., "The treasure "was guarded with" traps").