What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
guards
Example
The guards at the museum were vigilant and made sure no one touched the exhibits. [guards: noun]
Example
The company hired security guards to patrol the premises and ensure the safety of the employees. [security guards: compound noun]
watchman
Example
The watchman patrolled the factory grounds to make sure there were no intruders. [watchman: noun]
Example
The building's watchman noticed a suspicious person lurking around and called the police. [building's watchman: compound noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guards is a more common term than watchmen in everyday language. Guards is used in various contexts, including security, law enforcement, and military, while watchmen is less common and may be associated with older or historical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between guards and watchman?
Guards is typically associated with a more formal and professional tone, while watchmen may be seen as more casual or informal. However, both terms can be used in different formality levels depending on the context.
