fastened

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'fastened' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been buckled, tied, or otherwise secured with a fastener. For example, "She fastened the buckle on her belt and pulled it tight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's the Argos; the Superdrug; the Iceland; the Shoe Express; the Subway; the abandoned cafés; the independently owned shop (Sugar 'n' Spice) with the Closing Down Sale posters and the To Let board fastened to its signage.

The Guardian

Trousers I'd owned for years would fall, still fastened, to my ankles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Businesses are now aware: the people of the world have not agreed that the technology of totalitarianism should be fastened on every household.

The Guardian - Tech

Every lace was tied, every buckle fastened.

The Guardian

Fastened to the lake floor every 50m, with anchors up to 90m deep and some weighing 7 tons, it is an ambitious vision.

The Economist

Its new software will help; another improvement involves designing satellites to fit, alone or with others, inside a standardised "dispenser" that can be fastened to more than one rocket model.Being able to build satellites quickly in a conflict is no good if your launch pads have been destroyed, however.

The Economist

Words frustrate her, like fastened buttons at which she can only fumble.

The Economist

THE boulangeries in the surrounding villages have fastened their shutters and closed up for August.

The Economist

It was thus not surprising that the 9/11 commissioners fastened on the idea of appointing an overall chief to bring the muddle together.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how items are joined, use "fastened" to emphasize a secure and often tight connection, such as "The seatbelt was securely fastened".

Common error

Avoid using "fastened" when a simple connection is intended. Instead of saying "The picture was fastened to the wall", use "attached" if it's not about security.

Linguistic Context

The word "fastened" primarily functions as the past participle of the verb "fasten". It is used to describe something that has been secured or attached, often with a physical device. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, as showcased in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fastened" functions as the past participle of "fasten", indicating that something has been secured or attached. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequency. It commonly appears in news, encyclopedias, and scientific content, conveying a state of security or attachment. To enhance your writing, use "fastened" to emphasize a firm connection, and avoid it when a general connection suffices. Alternatives include "secured", "attached", and "fixed", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secured

Focuses on ensuring something is safe and protected, often implying a stronger degree of attachment than "fastened".

attached

A more general term indicating that two things are joined together, without necessarily implying tightness or security like "fastened".

fixed

Implies a permanent or stable placement, often used when something is meant to stay in one position.

connected

Suggests a link or bond between two elements, which may or may not involve physical attachment.

affixed

A more formal term for attaching something, often used in technical or legal contexts.

joined

Indicates that two or more things have been brought together, but does not necessarily imply a method of securing them.

bound

Suggests a strong and often restrictive attachment, as if tied or wrapped tightly.

clamped

Uses a mechanical device to hold something tightly in place.

anchored

Implies a strong, stable attachment, preventing movement.

tethered

Connected with a rope or chain, allowing some movement but preventing escape.

FAQs

How is "fastened" typically used in a sentence?

"Fastened" is commonly used to describe the act of securing something with a clip, buckle, or other device. For example, "The straps were "securely fastened"".

What are some alternatives to using "fastened"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "fastened" include "secured", "attached", or "fixed". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "fastened" and "attached"?

While both words indicate a connection, "fastened" often implies a more secure or tighter connection than "attached". "Attached" is a more general term. For example, use "fastened" for a seatbelt and "attached" for a sticker.

When should I use "fastened" versus "secured"?

"Fastened" implies a physical connection using a device or method, while "secured" suggests that something is protected from harm or loss. You might say a "seatbelt is fastened", and a "building is secured".