What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
protective
Example
The mother was very protective of her child and always made sure he wore a helmet when riding his bike. [protective: adjective]
Example
He felt protective of his little sister and always walked her home from school. [protective: adjective]
Example
Wearing a mask is a protective measure against the spread of germs. [protective: noun]
guarding
Example
The security guard was guarding the entrance to the building. [guarding: verb]
Example
The dog was guarding the house and barking at anyone who came near. [guarding: verb]
Example
The company invested in high-tech guarding equipment to protect their valuable assets. [guarding: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Protective is more commonly used than guarding in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts. Guarding is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as security or military settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between protective and guarding?
Guarding is generally considered more formal than protective, as it is often used in technical or specialized contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
