are locked properly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are locked properly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when confirming that something, such as a door or a device, is secured in the correct manner. Example: "Before leaving the house, please ensure that all windows and doors are locked properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Make sure all fronts are locked PROPERLY.

WikiHow

Garage doors provide access into your home, so treat them as any other door; make sure they are locked properly, as well as the door that leads from the garage room into your house.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

To check that they're locked properly, apply some pressure to each shackle a lack of movement means that they're locked.

WikiHow

Police are allowed to visit the homes of registered gun owners for unannounced tests to make sure the guns are locked up and properly stored, with the security code or location of the keys known only to the owner.

Los Angeles Times

The Swazi government has a slightly more touchy-feely approach than Kenya, where people who don't take their drugs properly are locked up for eight months.

Vice

The entrances are locked.

The New York Times - Sports

They are locked.

WikiHow

TfL urged bike-hire users to ensure a green light switches on when they dock the bike at the end of a journey to ensure it has been locked in properly.

The Guardian

These days you need a license and even if you manage that, the 'party police' aka the Mines Department perform regular checks to make sure that everything is locked up properly.

Vice

If you are able to do this, the ball and tongue sizes do not match, or the ball is not locked properly.

WikiHow

But the pins would be "locked" without the bolts having been properly fastened, meaning there was no way to be sure the cargo doors were locked.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or procedures, use "are locked properly" to clearly communicate the expected state of a locking mechanism after it has been engaged. This leaves no room for ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the reader understands what constitutes "properly". Always provide specific indicators or steps to confirm that the mechanism is indeed "locked properly", such as a click sound or a visual alignment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are locked properly" primarily functions as a descriptive statement indicating the condition of something that should be secured. It specifies that an object or mechanism has been locked in the correct manner, ensuring its intended function is achieved. Ludwig AI shows its use in sentences concerning doors, garage doors and bike-hire systems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are locked properly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the state of being securely locked. According to Ludwig, it is frequently found in instructions, guidelines, and news reports, where clarity about security measures is essential. The phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts and while a variety of alternatives exist, "are locked properly" directly communicates that something is securely fastened as intended. To ensure you avoid ambiguity when using "are locked properly", always provide clear steps for the reader to properly lock the item in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are correctly secured

Focuses on the correctness of the securing action.

are tightly fastened

Emphasizes the tightness of the fastening.

are adequately secured

Highlights the adequacy of the securing measure.

are firmly fixed

Stresses the firmness of the fixation.

are appropriately fastened

Indicates the fastening is suitable for the situation.

are well secured

General statement of good security.

are safely locked

Highlights the safety aspect of being locked.

are effectively locked

Focuses on the effectiveness of the locking mechanism.

are duly secured

Formal way of saying something is secured.

are reliably locked

Emphasizes the reliability of the locking mechanism.

FAQs

How can I use "are locked properly" in a sentence?

You can use "are locked properly" to describe the state of doors, windows, or any mechanism that needs to be secured. For instance, "Make sure all the doors "are locked properly" before leaving."

What does "are locked properly" mean?

"Are locked properly" means that a locking mechanism is fully engaged and secured as intended, preventing unauthorized access or movement.

Which is correct, "are locked properly" or "are properly locked"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "are locked properly" is more common. "Are properly locked" places more emphasis on how the action was performed. In most situations "are locked properly" reads more naturally.

What are some alternatives to "are locked properly"?

Alternatives include "are correctly secured", "are firmly fixed", or "are adequately secured", depending on the specific context.