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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
data have been locked
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "data have been locked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where data is secured or made inaccessible, often in technical or IT-related discussions. Example: "Due to security protocols, the data have been locked until further notice."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Yet until recently all these data have been locked tight.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Agriculture, construction, logistics, we look at where the data has been locked up in offline form like on paper or excel.
News & Media
For errors noted after the data has been locked, the corresponding user can request data unlocking for amendment.
"It could have been locked away".
News & Media
The players have been locked out since July 1.
News & Media
Had he been poor, he would have been locked up.
News & Media
"They have been locked in there.
News & Media
Clever, by contrast, provides a single, universal API that will allow developers and education companies to access all the data that has been locked up in legacy silos and use it in their apps.
News & Media
The blinding code was revealed only after the data base had been locked.
Science
If you were under the impression that a new data transfer agreement had been locked down between Europe and the US — to restore legal confidence in commercial data flows across the Atlantic — think again.
News & Media
If you were under the impression that a new data transfer agreement had been locked down between Europe and the US — to restore legal confidence in commercial data flows across the Atlantic — think again.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing the state of a database after a study, use "data have been locked" to indicate that the database is finalized and no further changes are allowed.
Common error
Avoid using "data have been locked" when you mean that data has been lost or corrupted. "Locked" implies a deliberate act of securing data, while "lost" suggests an accidental or unintentional disappearance.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "data have been locked" typically functions as a statement indicating that a set of data has been secured and made unchangeable, often after a specific process or study is completed. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
30%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
20%
Less common in
Academia
10%
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "data have been locked" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey that data has been secured and finalized, preventing any further alterations. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is indeed correct. While most commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, the register tends to be neutral, shifting towards formal in academic and technical settings. Related phrases emphasize the inaccessibility or protection of the data, and remembering the difference between 'locked' and 'lost' can prevent usage errors.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
data are secured
Focuses on the security aspect, implying the data is protected from unauthorized access, changes the tense.
data has been secured
Focuses on the security aspect, implying the data is protected from unauthorized access.
data are inaccessible
Directly states that the data cannot be accessed, removing the implication of security and emphasizing unavailability.
data is restricted
Indicates limited access to the data, suggesting specific permissions or controls are in place.
data is protected
Emphasizes the safeguarding of data against potential threats or breaches.
data is encrypted
Highlights the use of encryption to render the data unreadable without the decryption key, indicating a specific security measure.
data is unavailable
Simply states that the data cannot be accessed at the moment, without specifying the reason.
data is shielded
Implies a protective barrier around the data, preventing access or modification.
data is off-limits
Informally states that access to the data is prohibited.
data is under lock and key
Idiomatic expression suggesting the data is very securely stored and protected.
FAQs
How can I use "data have been locked" in a sentence?
Use "data have been locked" to indicate that a dataset, often a database, has been finalized and secured against further modifications. For instance: "After the analysis, the "data have been locked" to prevent any alterations to the results."
What does "data have been locked" mean in research?
In research, "data have been locked" signifies that the dataset is complete and immutable. This is a crucial step to ensure the integrity and reliability of the study's findings. No further changes can be made once the "data have been locked".
Which is correct, "data has been locked" or "data have been locked"?
In formal writing, "data have been locked" is generally more accurate because "data" is technically the plural form of "datum". However, in informal contexts, "data has been locked" may be encountered. It's safer to stick with ""data have been locked"" in academic and professional settings.
What can I say instead of "data have been locked"?
Alternatives to "data have been locked" include phrases like "data are secured", "data are inaccessible", or "data is restricted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested