I was able to secure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was able to secure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a successful effort to obtain or achieve something, such as a job, funding, or an agreement. Example: "After weeks of negotiations, I was able to secure a partnership with a leading firm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

And once Dennis had left I was able to secure Father's evenings for myself.

The New Yorker

In the end I was able to secure 1000 francs from Mr. Landshoff.

The New Yorker

Simply by attending such an event, I was able to secure an internship related to my major in Marketing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

After four months I was able to secure a sales development rep job at another software company.

Harvard Business Review

When we went, the Arena was staging both operas, and, by booking on the internet, I was able to secure £22 tickets.

The Guardian - Travel

Any downtown takers?" Working anonymously on both fronts, with the help of friends I was able to secure tables for two nights last week, and managed to consume the entire 14-course menu both times.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

I'm writing this post from Central America where I not only was able to secure both short and long-term deals for small and large amounts of coffee, but I was also able to discuss things that I have learned on previous trips with producers I met for the first time.

HuffPost

I got in touch with the author and was able to secure the rights.

The New York Times

The access Diaz was able to secure for filming is stunning.

The New Yorker

That he was able to secure the nuclear deal was really something.

The Guardian

After the chat, Mr. Fridman was able to secure a $2 billion Kremlin bailout to repay Deutsche Bank.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was able to secure" when you want to emphasize your successful effort in obtaining something, such as funding, a position, or an agreement. It highlights your agency and accomplishment.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "I was able to secure" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more natural alternatives like "I got" or "I managed to get" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was able to secure" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's successful attainment or acquisition of something. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment, indicating it as a correct and usable expression. Examples show it introducing specific outcomes like securing funding, jobs, or agreements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was able to secure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing the successful attainment of something. As per Ludwig, its use is generally correct and applicable across numerous contexts. While versatile, it leans toward a more formal register, making it particularly suitable for professional and academic settings. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider using alternatives like "I got" or "I managed to get". Remember to employ this phrase when you want to emphasize your active role and successful effort in achieving a particular outcome. The phrase is common in News & Media and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I managed to obtain

Focuses on the effort involved in obtaining something, implying a degree of difficulty.

I succeeded in acquiring

Emphasizes the successful outcome of the acquisition process.

I achieved the acquisition of

Highlights the achievement aspect and uses a more formal tone.

I attained

A more concise and formal way of expressing successful attainment.

I accomplished the goal of

Highlights the completion of a specific objective.

I was successful in getting

Uses a more informal tone and emphasizes the act of getting something.

I procured

A formal and somewhat archaic term for obtaining something.

I clinched

Suggests a decisive and triumphant securing of something, often used in sports or business contexts.

I ensured I obtained

Implies a proactive effort to guarantee the successful attainment of something.

I had the capacity to guarantee

Emphasizes the ability and responsibility of the actor to successfully obtain something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I was able to secure"?

You can use alternatives like "I managed to obtain", "I succeeded in acquiring", or "I attained" depending on the context.

How do I use "I was able to secure" in a sentence?

Use "I was able to secure" when describing a successful effort to obtain something. For example, "I was able to secure funding for my research project" or "I was able to secure a meeting with the CEO."

Is "I was able to secure" formal or informal?

"I was able to secure" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic contexts. In casual conversation, alternatives like "I got" or "I managed to get" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "I was able to secure" and "I secured"?

"I secured" is a more direct and concise way of saying the same thing. "I was able to secure" emphasizes the effort or ability that led to the successful outcome, while "I secured" simply states the result.