while guarding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while guarding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that occurs simultaneously with the act of guarding, often in contexts related to protection or vigilance. Example: "The soldier remained alert while guarding the perimeter of the base."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Durant scored 8 points in that run, then picked up his fourth foul while guarding Wade.

The New York Times - Sports

The two men bonded in sixth grade while guarding each other on the basketball court.

The New York Times - Food

Aaron Williams pulled down a team-high 19 rebounds while guarding Mutombo.

The New York Times - Sports

On June 18, one American soldier was killed while guarding a center.

The New York Times

Larry Johnson embodied the team's focus with several floor burns while guarding Kevin Garnett.

The New York Times - Sports

The Detroit infield played deep, willing to give up one run while guarding against a bigger inning.

The New York Times - Sports

It acts as a form of moral regulation, or social "nudge," encouraging good behavior while guarding individual freedom.

The New York Times

Even though Brandon Rush of the Jayhawks fell down while guarding him, Curry was covered and he passed to Richards.

The New York Times - Sports

Regulators should not oppose some consolidation among major carriers, while guarding against airlines' obtaining monopolistic strangleholds at individual airports.

The New York Times

While guarding New Yorkers' safety is urgently important, so is solving a financial crisis with crushing, long-term implications.

The New York Times

Two officers were wounded by gunfire while guarding the Ferguson police headquarters during a protest in March last year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "while guarding", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what or whom is being protected and the action being performed simultaneously. This clarifies the context and purpose of the guarding activity.

Common error

Avoid using "while guarding" when the actions are not truly simultaneous or when the relationship between the guarding action and the other action is unclear. Ensure both actions occur at the same time for the sentence to be logical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while guarding" functions as a conjunction phrase, linking a simultaneous action to the act of guarding or protecting. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "while guarding" is a versatile construction used to indicate simultaneous actions focused around the act of protection or supervision. Ludwig AI underlines that the phrase is correct and widely used. It's prevalent across news and media, sports reporting, and general descriptive contexts. When using "while guarding", ensure the simultaneity of the actions is clear. Alternatives like "whilst protecting" or "during surveillance" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis, while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whilst protecting

Uses a more formal synonym for "while" and a synonym for "guarding", maintaining a similar meaning.

during protection

Highlights the aspect of providing safety and defense at the same time.

during surveillance

Focuses on the act of observing and supervising simultaneously.

in the act of defending

Highlights defending something, changing structure.

as they watched over

Emphasizes the act of careful observation and supervision, changing structure.

keeping watch over

Focuses on the continuous observation and surveillance, changing structure.

on watch for

Emphasizes the state of vigilance during a specific period.

during custodianship

Focuses on the act of taking care of or protecting something, in a formal register.

under escort

Highlights the aspect of being accompanied for protection, changing structure.

when on duty

Emphasizes the period of performing assigned tasks, including security or protection.

FAQs

How can I use "while guarding" in a sentence?

Use "while guarding" to describe an action that occurs simultaneously with the act of protecting something. For example, "The soldier remained alert "while guarding" the perimeter of the base."

What are some alternatives to "while guarding"?

Alternatives include phrases like "whilst protecting", "during surveillance", or "keeping watch over" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "guarding while" instead of "while guarding"?

While grammatically understandable, "while guarding" is the more conventional and natural phrasing. "Guarding while" might sound awkward in most contexts.

What's the difference between "while guarding" and "during protection"?

"While guarding" describes an action concurrent with the act of guarding, whereas "during protection" refers to a period or event where protection is actively provided. "While guarding" emphasizes simultaneity, "during protection" focuses on the event.