Tied to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Tied to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a connection or relationship between two things or concepts. Example: "Her success is tied to her dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tied to Abuse Claim F.B.I.

The New York Times

It's tied to policy.

The New York Times

They are tied to value.

The New York Times - Arts

It was tied to the war.

The New York Times

Everything is tied to everything else".

The New York Times - Tech

It is also tied to gay theatre.

The New Yorker

It is often tied to family.

The New York Times - Sports

She was tied to the headboard.

The New York Times

"They're not tied to any posts.

The New York Times - Magazine

You're quite tied to the place.

The Guardian

"Our culture is tied to guns.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In physical contexts, ensure the object of the preposition is the anchor or the point of attachment.

Common error

Avoid using "Tied to" when referring to equal scores in sports or competitions. In those cases, use "tied with" (e.g. "Team A is tied with Team B"). Use "Tied to" for connections, dependencies, or literal attachments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Tied to" functions primarily as a passive verb construction or a participial adjective followed by a preposition. It establishes a binary relationship where the subject is constrained, influenced, or physically attached to the object. According to Ludwig, it is almost always used to denote a specific link that suggests a level of dependency or fixed association.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "Tied to" is a highly effective and grammatically sound phrase used to describe deep-seated connections. Whether used literally, as in "tied to a headboard", or figuratively, as in "diplomacy is tied to personality", it conveys a sense of direct correlation that few other phrases match. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread adoption in elite journalism and scientific research, making it a safe and professional choice for writers across all disciplines. Always remember to distinguish it from "tied with" when discussing competitive results to maintain precise clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Linked to

Provides a slightly more general sense of connection without the physical connotation

Connected with

Suggests a broader association rather than a direct dependency

Associated with

Used when two things frequently occur together without a confirmed causal link

Related to

The most generic alternative for any thematic or logical connection

Dependent on

Stronger emphasis on one thing relying entirely on the other for its state

Contingent upon

A formal alternative highlighting that one event depends on another happening first

Correlated with

Specifically used in scientific or statistical contexts to show a mutual relationship

Coupled with

Implies a pairing where two elements work or exist together

Bound to

Suggests an inescapable or legal obligation/link

Intertwined with

Evokes a more complex and inseparable relationship

FAQs

How do I use "tied to" in a sentence?

You can use "Tied to" to describe a relationship where one thing depends on another. For example, "Funding is often "linked to" performance," or more literally, "The boat was "anchored to" the pier."

What can I say instead of "tied to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "associated with", "related to", or "connected with".

Is "tied to" correct in academic writing?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. Ludwig AI shows it is frequently used in scientific journals such as eLife and PlosOne to describe biological or statistical relationships.

What's the difference between "tied to" and "tied with"?

Use "Tied to" for connections or dependencies. Use "tied with" when comparing two entities that have achieved the same score or rank in a competition.