I secured them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I secured them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to having obtained or made something safe, often in contexts like securing items, information, or agreements. Example: "After the meeting, I secured them in a locked cabinet to ensure their safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a handwritten report, Naismith described the circumstances of the inaugural match; in contrast to modern basketball, the players played nine versus nine, handled a soccer ball, not a basketball, and instead of shooting at two hoops, the goals were a pair of peach baskets: "When Mr. Stubbins brot up the peach baskets to the gym I secured them on the inside of the railing of the gallery.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I once had some pots that fell off a windowsill because I hadn't secured them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Walsh confirmed: "I'm completely committed to Jedward and delighted we've secured them a new deal with Universal".

Independent

When I was Justice Secretary I referred two of our major providers to the Serious Fraud Office, and I secured from them compensation of many tens of millions of pounds for events that were well recorded at the time.

Independent

We can't afford to delay such tools and a chance to make real progress, which is why I am doing everything I can to secure them before I leave office.

Huffington Post

I was unable to secure them or comfort them, as I had to secure and comfort the rest of the citizens of New York City".

The New Yorker

Captain Benjamin F. Sands reported that the ship's roll was so great that it would "preclude the possibility of fighting her guns at sea, and I was obliged to secure them with pieces of timber to prevent them fetching away".

Wikipedia

I told them that I would deliver Machat and Machat, secure them a record deal and, with their introductions, secure the artists who would then give me the finished masters to put on an album which would introduce the concept.

Independent

If she fails to secure them, she says, "I've thought about the debt, but I try not to".

Huffington Post

People need the soldiers to secure them.

The New York Times

We must secure them.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I secured them", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'them' refers to. Providing this clarity early on prevents ambiguity and enhances readability.

Common error

Avoid using "I secured them" without a clear antecedent for 'them'. Readers may struggle to understand what you're referring to if the noun isn't explicitly stated or easily inferred from the preceding sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I secured them" functions as a declarative statement where the subject 'I' performs the action of 'securing' something, indicated by the pronoun 'them'. Ludwig AI confirms this as correct English usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I secured them" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that the speaker has either obtained something or made it safe. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and understandable in various contexts. While it appears frequently in news articles, it also has uses in informal, scientific and wiki-based writing. The key to its effective use is ensuring that 'them' has a clear and unambiguous reference. Remember that depending on the context, similar phrases like "I obtained them" or "I ensured their safety" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I obtained them

Focuses on the act of acquiring something, shifting from the sense of making something safe.

I ensured their safety

Emphasizes the protective aspect, rather than the act of acquiring.

I made them safe

Highlights the action of providing safety or protection to someone or something.

I guaranteed them

Implies a promise or assurance related to the items or individuals in question.

I laid hold of them

Adds a more archaic or emphatic tone to the act of taking possession.

I took possession of them

Formally states the act of assuming ownership or control.

I got hold of them

Suggests finding or obtaining something, often after some effort.

I acquired them successfully

Adds emphasis to the successful completion of the acquisition.

I finalized their acquisition

Focuses on the completion of a process to obtain something.

I clinched them

Implies securing something after a period of competition or uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "I secured them" in a sentence?

Use "I secured them" to indicate that you have obtained something or made it safe. For instance, "After the meeting, I secured the documents in a locked cabinet". Ensure that the pronoun 'them' has a clear referent to avoid ambiguity.

What can I say instead of "I secured them"?

You can use alternatives like "I obtained them", "I ensured their safety", or "I made them safe" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I have secured them" instead of "I secured them"?

Yes, "I have secured them" is grammatically correct. The difference lies in the tense: "I secured them" is past simple, while "I have secured them" is present perfect, indicating that the action has been completed and has relevance to the present.

What's the difference between "I secured them" and "I protected them"?

"I secured them" typically means you obtained something or made it safe, while "I protected them" implies shielding something from harm or danger. The former focuses on acquisition or initial safety, and the latter on ongoing defense.