as they secure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they secure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing actions taken by a subject to ensure safety, stability, or success. Example: "The team worked diligently as they secure the necessary funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Social conservatives are enjoying clout in Washington as they secure new policies on gays, guns and abortion.

The New York Times

As they secure growing acceptance abroad, the rebels' readiness to press their demands showed the extent to which they have been emboldened by the NATO-backed military advances that helped to sweep them into Tripoli.

The New York Times

Is it just me who is imagining an infernal alliance of Polish plumbers tooled up with spanners and Wahhabist militants waving ancestral scimitars as they secure the cheese counter at the local Morrison's with their war traditional cry "Aiee!

The Guardian

It was contended, however, in argument, that, 'though originally the first ten amendments were adopted as limitations on federal power, yet, in so far as they secure and recognize fundamental rights—common-law rights—of the man, they make them privileges and immunities of the man as a citizen of the United States, and cannot now be abridged by a state under the fourteenth amendment.

Cornell University

Cliftonville scrape past Ballinamallard as they secure a nervy 1-0 victory at Solitude and move into second place in the Premiership.

BBC

The Hit looks back at a good day for Scotland and Ireland as they secure convincing victories at the Rugby World Cup.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The Russian troops were professional and thorough as they secured the perimeter of the base.

Independent

I cheered Kate Richandson-Walsh and the GB hockey team as they secured a thrilling bronze.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As they secured the area with yellow police tape, they were confronted by a dozen or so young men.

The New Yorker

Federal prosecutors detailed this evolution as they secured last year's conviction of Al Sanchez, the former head of the Streets and Sanitation Commission, for illegal political hiring.

The New York Times

Pagano, clearly relieved at the whistle, also made light of his side's yo-yo performance as they secured their pass to New England.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for "as they secure" when you want to emphasize the simultaneous actions of securing something while something else is occurring or being achieved.

Common error

Avoid using "as they secure" excessively in overly formal or academic writing. Sometimes, a simpler and more direct phrase like "while ensuring" or "when obtaining" can improve clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they secure" functions as an adverbial clause of time or manner, modifying the main clause by indicating when or how an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, as demonstrated by numerous examples from varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they secure" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates actions taken to protect, obtain, or guarantee something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness with examples spanning diverse contexts, particularly within news and media. While "as they secure" is suitable for various registers, it is advisable to consider simpler alternatives in overly formal contexts for enhanced clarity. The frequency of its use is uncommon, making its strategic application effective in conveying specific nuance or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while ensuring they obtain

Replaces "secure" with "obtain" and uses "ensuring" to emphasize the act of guaranteeing.

whilst guaranteeing they attain

Substitutes "secure" with the more formal "attain" and uses "whilst" for "as" introducing a touch of formality.

as they are guaranteeing

Focuses on the ongoing process of securing rather than the completed act, using the present continuous tense.

in the process of ensuring

Emphasizes the process of making certain, using "in the process of" to highlight the ongoing effort.

while making certain they get

Uses more informal language ("get") to replace "secure", which might suit less formal contexts.

as they work to guarantee

Highlights the effort involved in securing, using "work to guarantee".

simultaneously gaining possession of

Replaces "secure" with a more descriptive phrase, "gaining possession of", suitable for contexts focused on ownership.

during their effort to obtain

Focuses on the timeframe during which the securing action happens, using "during their effort".

while in the act of protecting

Emphasizes the protective aspect of securing, shifting the focus slightly to preservation.

as they move to safeguard

Replaces "secure" with "safeguard", which implies protecting something already possessed.

FAQs

How can I use "as they secure" in a sentence?

Use "as they secure" to describe actions taken to ensure something is protected or obtained, for example: "The social conservatives are enjoying clout in Washington "as they secure" new policies on gays, guns and abortion."

What are some alternatives to "as they secure"?

You can use alternatives such as "while ensuring they obtain", "whilst guaranteeing they attain", or "as they work to guarantee", depending on the level of formality and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "as they secure" or "as they secured"?

The choice depends on the tense you want to convey. "As they secure" implies an ongoing or habitual action, while "as they secured" refers to a completed action in the past. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the securing action in your context.

What's the difference between "as they secure" and "while they obtain"?

"As they secure" implies a simultaneous action where securing is happening alongside something else. "While they obtain" focuses more on the process of obtaining something. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the simultaneity or the process.