are tightly bound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are tightly bound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong connection or relationship between two or more entities, whether physical, emotional, or conceptual. Example: "The two communities are tightly bound by their shared history and cultural traditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In all the above complexes the ligands are tightly bound, and their spectra are characteristic of slow exchange between bound and free forms.

Biochemistry

By contrast, the inner electrons are tightly bound to the nucleus and form an atom's core.

The Economist

These higher-energy photons can even release electrons near the atomic nucleus, where they are tightly bound.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When it comes to sex, people's attitudes and behaviour are tightly bound up in "myriad threads of past and present".

The Economist

Whatever divides the two countries — and there is plenty — they are tightly bound at the Sinai border.

The New York Times

U1 snRNP and U2AF, which are tightly bound to pre-mRNA in the E complex, are not tightly bound in the E* complex.

Stanford University

The identities of those residents — young and old, rich and poor — are tightly bound to the communities in which they live, shaping their worldview in unexpected ways.

Princeton University

Ms. Mitchell's lovely music and well-turned lyrics are tightly bound together, and recall traditional folk music with a distinctive Southern flavor (although she hails from Vermont).

The New York Times

When the musical first ran Off Broadway, The Times wrote that Mitchell's "lovely music and well-turned lyrics are tightly bound together". Reeve Carney and Eva Noblezada star.

The New York Times

The biogenesis of polytopic membrane proteins occurs co-translationally on ribosomes that are tightly bound to a membrane-embedded protein-conducting channel: the Sec-complex.

Nature

The result is that all electrons are tightly bound to the ions in the structure, leaving no free electrons to conduct electricity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are tightly bound", ensure the context clearly defines what entities are connected and the nature of their strong relationship. For example, "The success of the project and the team's dedication are tightly bound."

Common error

Avoid using "are tightly bound" in contexts where a looser association is intended. The phrase implies a robust, difficult-to-sever connection; weaker relationships are better described with phrases like "are linked" or "are associated."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are tightly bound" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of being closely and strongly connected. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

28%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are tightly bound" is grammatically correct and frequently used to describe a strong, inseparable connection between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a predicate adjective. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the nature of the strong relationship. Alternatives such as "are closely linked" or "are strongly related" can be used to express similar meanings, but ensure the chosen phrase accurately reflects the strength and nature of the connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are tightly bonded

Focuses on the bond aspect, indicating a physical or chemical connection.

are strongly bound

Emphasizes the strength or intensity of the binding.

are closely bound

Indicates a close or near connection.

are highly bound

Emphasizes the degree or extent of the binding or connection.

are tightly related

Focuses on the relatedness or connection between two things.

are firmly bound

Highlights the stability and security of the binding.

are intimately bound

Highlights a deep and personal connection.

are intricately bound

Suggests a complex and detailed connection.

are rigidly bound

Suggests a strict or inflexible binding arrangement.

are tightly circumscribed

Implies boundaries are closely defined or limited.

FAQs

How can I use "are tightly bound" in a sentence?

Use "are tightly bound" to describe a strong, inseparable connection between two or more things. For example, "The success of the company and the dedication of its employees "are tightly bound"".

What are some alternatives to "are tightly bound"?

You can use alternatives like "are closely linked", "are firmly connected", or "are strongly related" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is tightly bound" instead of "are tightly bound"?

The correct form depends on whether the subject is singular or plural. Use "is tightly bound" for singular subjects (e.g., "The molecule is tightly bound") and "are tightly bound" for plural subjects (e.g., "The molecules are tightly bound").

What's the difference between "are tightly bound" and "are loosely connected"?

"Are tightly bound" implies a strong, inseparable connection, while "are loosely connected" suggests a weak or easily broken association. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the strength of the relationship.