a secure fence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secure fence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a fence that provides safety or protection, often in contexts related to property security or safety measures. Example: "To ensure the safety of the children playing outside, we decided to install a secure fence around the yard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But first: a secure fence — better yet, a wall — around the aid workers' compound, and Zaatari itself.

The New York Times

After a crew painted over the word "Brewster," preceded by an expletive, someone circumvented a secure fence and put up the name "Andrew" to memorialize Andrew McArdle, a high school student who died in a car crash in January.

The New York Times

Pen Y Fro Primary School, Dunvant, Swansea: improve on a nature area with a safe path for wheelchair access, a secure fence and new plants, fishing rods, buckets and containers for learning.

The Guardian

Have a secure fence!

WikiHow

Make sure you have a secure fence.

WikiHow

Enclose the land for the alpacas with a secure fence.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Tucked away behind a secured fence and a thicket of shrubbery, Mr. Fleischer, the former White House press secretary, is where he wants to be these days: nearly invisible.

The New York Times

Make sure your outdoor turtle has a very secure fence around it.

WikiHow

As a result of the Secure Fence Act passed in 2006, the government built some 650 miles of wall along the 1,954-mile 1,954-mileboundary.

The Guardian

They're now in a rental home in the area that accommodates their two dogs with its yard and secure fence -- an absolute must, Dougherty said.

Huffington Post

Herman Cain suggested installing an electrified fence and placing armed troops with "real bullets" on the border, Michele Bachmann called for "a secure double fence", and Perry pledged to send more Air Force Predator drones on enforcement missions over the Mexican-American border.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing property or areas where security is paramount, use “a secure fence” to clearly convey protection against unauthorized access.

Common error

Avoid using “a secure fence” when the fence is easily bypassed or doesn't provide significant protection. Use more accurate descriptions like "a basic fence" or "a perimeter fence" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a secure fence" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective 'secure' modifies the noun 'fence', indicating a fence that provides safety or protection. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often used to describe physical barriers designed for security.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a secure fence" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a fence designed to provide safety or protection. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. Its usage is most common in news and media and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the fence genuinely offers a level of security. Consider alternatives like "a protected barrier" or "a safe enclosure" depending on the specific context and the level of security you want to convey. The phrase is generally neutral in tone and widely understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a safety fence

Highlights the safety aspect of the fence, making it suitable for contexts where preventing accidents is key.

a strong fence

Focuses on the strength of the fence, omitting the explicit mention of security but implying it.

a protected barrier

Replaces 'fence' with 'barrier' and 'secure' with 'protected', altering the specific imagery but retaining the function.

a reliable barrier

Replaces 'secure' with 'reliable', shifting the focus to dependability.

a safe enclosure

Substitutes 'secure' with 'safe' and 'fence' with 'enclosure', generalizing the protective aspect.

a defensive fence

Suggests the fence is designed to protect against external threats.

a fortified perimeter

Uses stronger terms like 'fortified' and 'perimeter' to suggest enhanced security.

a robust barricade

Emphasizes the strength of the barrier using 'robust' and 'barricade'.

a locked fence

Implies security through the locking mechanism rather than inherent properties.

a guarded fence

Highlights the presence of guards ensuring the fence's security.

FAQs

How can I use "a secure fence" in a sentence?

You can use "a secure fence" to describe a barrier that prevents unauthorized access or keeps something contained. For example, "The farm installed a secure fence to protect the livestock from predators."

What's the difference between "a secure fence" and "a strong fence"?

"A secure fence" emphasizes protection from intrusion, while "a strong fence" focuses on the fence's structural integrity and resistance to damage. While often overlapping, the choice depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "a secure fence"?

Alternatives include "a protected barrier", "a safe enclosure", or "a fortified perimeter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very secure fence"?

While not strictly redundant, "a very secure fence" can sometimes be seen as slightly repetitive. Consider whether the additional emphasis is necessary or if "a secure fence" already sufficiently conveys the intended meaning. You might instead use terms like "highly secure fence".