fasten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fasten" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to secure or attach something, such as a seatbelt or a piece of clothing. Example: "Please fasten your seatbelt before the flight takes off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I have long been drawn to the work of writers who – in Emerson's phrase – seek to "pierce rotten diction and fasten words again to visible things".

The Guardian - Books

Today I could undress, undo, wipe, dispose, dry, fasten, re-dress, swaddle and cuddle in a single fluid motion, like a master teppanyaki chef.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is utterly inconsistent with the American ideal to attempt to fasten procedures of totalitarianism on American constitutional self-governance.

The Guardian - Tech

The effort to fasten the procedures of pervasive surveillance on human society is the antithesis of liberty.

The Guardian - Tech

CVC will end up owning 30% of Deoleo but will later seek to buy the rest.In this section The fuel of the future, unfortunately From bad to worse Fasten seat belts Status shift Striving for the podium Improving the desert climate A pressing issue Munk's tale ReprintsOlive oil accounts for a mere 0.8% of Spain's exports.

The Economist

No doubt that is why companies fasten the label to a quite bewildering variety of supposedly enlightened, progressive or charitable corporate actions.At one end of the broad span of CSR lie corporate policies that any well-run company ought to have in place anyway, policies that are called for on any sensible view of business ethics or good management practice.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mohamedou Ould Slahi: "smart, witty, garrulous, and curiously undamaged" Another team inside the plane dragged me and fastened me on a small and straight seat.

The Guardian

Sharadamma puts her books into a bag and fastens her shoes, cleaning off some dust in the process.

The Guardian

She is wearing a shirt dress, the buttons neatly fastened but the sleeves pushed up to the elbow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Snowden has also identified the fastening of those programmes on the global population as a problematic act, which deserves a form of moral and ethical analysis that goes beyond mere raison d'état.

The Guardian - Tech

I could feel deft fingers fluttering around me, fastening straps and hoisting sagging tights.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fasten" when you want to convey a sense of security or firmness in attachment. For instance, "fasten your seatbelts" clearly communicates the need for secure restraint.

Common error

Avoid using "fasten" in contexts where "focus", "concentrate", or "attach importance" would be more appropriate. While grammatically correct, using "fasten" in abstract situations can sound awkward or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fasten" is as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed on an object to secure it. As Ludwig AI states, it involves attaching or connecting something securely. For example, "Fasten your seatbelts!" shows its use in instructing a securing action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fasten" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of securely attaching or connecting items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and finds frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While "fasten" is generally appropriate, it's important to avoid overuse in abstract contexts where more specific verbs like "focus" or "concentrate" might be more fitting. Remember to "fasten" your seatbelts for a smooth linguistic ride!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secure

Emphasizes making something safe or firm.

attach

Highlights the act of joining one thing to another.

fix

Implies holding something firmly in place.

connect

Focuses on linking two or more things together.

affix

Suggests sticking or joining something permanently.

bind

Highlights tying or holding things together tightly.

clamp

Involves using a device to hold something tightly.

bolt

Implies securing with a bolt or similar fastener.

pin

Focuses on using a pin to hold something in place.

staple

Indicates using staples to join materials.

FAQs

How to use "fasten" in a sentence?

"Fasten" is a verb that means to attach or connect securely. For example, you can say "Please fasten your seatbelt" or "Fasten the rope to the hook".

What can I say instead of "fasten"?

You can use alternatives like "secure", "attach", or "connect" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "fasten the button" or "button the coat"?

Both are correct but used slightly differently. "Fasten the button" refers to the act of securing the button. "Button the coat" /s/button+the+coat means to close the coat using its buttons.

What's the difference between "fasten" and "affix"?

"Fasten" generally implies a secure but potentially temporary connection. "Affix" suggests a more permanent or lasting attachment. Therefore, you might "fasten a belt" but "affix a label".