fasten up

USAGE SUMMARY

"fasten up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used as a command or a request to prompt someone to do something quickly and carefully. For example, "Please fasten up your seatbelt before the plane takes off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Fasten up and focus on iPad screen.

The Washington Post

And to fasten up time, for you alone?

The Guardian - Opinion

I remember telling him: 'Fasten up your tie and tuck your shirt in'".

The Guardian

We are also modernizing our kitchen so as to fasten up food preparation and ensure hygiene.

Forbes

Be sure to fasten up all your buttons and make sure your shirt is tucked in, this makes you smarter for your first day at school.

WikiHow

Use your left hand to fasten up the magazine pouch, this is a very important part of the drill as you don't want to lose the rest of your ammunition.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We sing "Three little zippers on my snow suit, fastened up as snug as snug can be".

The New Yorker

In the so far applied solutions a friction lining and brake shoe were fastened up by riveting.

Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering

Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie (which is to be fully fastened up, such that the collar is closed).

Harvard University

He mandated they wear the distinctive black Hardee, a tall-crowned felt hat trimmed with an ostrich plume (while they lasted) and blue cord, its brim often fastened up on the left side with a brass eagle.

The New York Times

There is no tiara, gilt, red plush or ermine in the painting, just a sober background, a plain, dark blue-green blouse modestly fastened up to the neck and a glint of one expensive earring.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fasten up" when you want to give a clear, direct instruction to secure something, such as clothing or equipment.

Common error

Avoid using "fasten up" in highly formal or technical contexts where a more precise term like "secure" or "affix" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fasten up" is as a phrasal verb. It typically acts as an imperative, giving a direct instruction to secure or close something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts like fastening seatbelts or buttons.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

31%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fasten up" is a commonly used phrasal verb that functions as a direct instruction to secure something. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. It's most frequently found in news media and wiki contexts, indicating a generally neutral to informal register. While grammatically sound, it's best reserved for situations where directness is valued over formality. Consider alternatives like "secure" or "do up" in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do up

A more general term meaning to close or secure.

secure

A more general term, lacking the urgency of "fasten up".

buckle up

Specifically refers to fastening a buckle, often a seatbelt.

button up

Specifically refers to fastening buttons, typically on clothing.

zip up

Specifically refers to fastening a zipper.

close up

Implies sealing or closing something completely.

tie up

Refers specifically to fastening with a tie or knot.

strap up

Refers to securing with straps.

clip on

Refers to attaching something with a clip.

clamp down

Implies fastening something tightly, often with force.

FAQs

How do you use "fasten up" in a sentence?

"Fasten up" is used as a phrasal verb, typically as an imperative, to instruct someone to close or secure something. For example, "Fasten up your coat, it's cold outside".

What is the difference between "fasten up" and "do up"?

"Do up" is a more general term for closing or securing something. "Fasten up" implies a more deliberate or careful act of securing.

When is it appropriate to use "fasten up"?

It's appropriate to use "fasten up" in situations where you want to give a clear and direct instruction to secure something, such as telling someone to "fasten seatbelts" or "fasten buttons".

What can I say instead of "fasten up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "secure", "button up", or "zip up".