had unlocked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had unlocked" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an action of unlocking occurred before another action in the past. Example: "By the time she arrived, he had unlocked the door and was waiting for her inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Arts

Science

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Boiler Room had unlocked the web's potential for collectivism.

The Guardian - Music

But when Alard had unlocked the door, and it closed behind us, we were alone.

The New Yorker

He had unlocked it to help Ms. Nash before the chimp distracted him.

The New York Times

It was as if the MDMA had unlocked them three days earlier.

The Guardian

Jane, always a quiet woman, had said very little, but her presence had unlocked something in him.

The Guardian - Arts

It showed that if any team had unlocked the secret of the Jabulani, the tournament's frustratingly unpredictable ball, it was Japan.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

We've unlocked "The Challenge" as well.

The New Yorker

We have unlocked a mysterious eternal secret.

The New Yorker

" Acting has unlocked emotion for Robbins too.

The Guardian

I must have unlocked the phone hundreds of times.

The Guardian - Tech

Level 7 and I have unlocked a plasma rifle imbued with solar fire.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had unlocked" to clearly indicate that an action of unlocking preceded another event in the past. This helps establish a clear chronological order.

Common error

Avoid using "had unlocked" when a simple past tense ("unlocked") is sufficient. The past perfect tense should only be used when referring to an action completed before another action in the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had unlocked" functions as a verb phrase in the past perfect tense. It typically indicates that an action of unlocking occurred before another action or time in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and well-supported by examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Tech

8%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had unlocked" functions as a past perfect verb phrase, used to show that an unlocking action preceded another event in the past. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to ensure correct tense usage to avoid errors. Related phrases include "had opened" and "had revealed", which can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Using "had unlocked" effectively enhances clarity and establishes a chronological sequence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had opened

Focuses on the action of opening, rather than the subsequent enabling.

had revealed

Emphasizes the revealing or discovery aspect of what was previously hidden.

had enabled

Highlights the act of making something possible.

had unleashed

Suggests a forceful release or activation of something.

had triggered

Implies a cause-and-effect relationship, where the unlocking initiates a chain of events.

had activated

Focuses on the process of making something active or functional.

had released

Highlights the act of setting something free or making it available.

had discovered

Emphasizes the finding or learning of something previously unknown.

had accessed

Focuses on the action of gaining entry or use of something.

had solved

Highlights the resolution of a problem or mystery.

FAQs

How to use "had unlocked" in a sentence?

"Had unlocked" is used to indicate that an action of unlocking occurred before another action in the past. For example, "By the time she arrived, he "had unlocked" the door and was waiting for her inside."

What can I say instead of "had unlocked"?

You can use alternatives like "had opened", "had revealed", or "had enabled" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "had unlocked" or "unlocked"?

Use "had unlocked" when you need to show that the unlocking happened before another action in the past. If you're simply stating that something was unlocked in the past, "unlocked" is sufficient.

What's the difference between "had unlocked" and "was unlocking"?

"Had unlocked" indicates a completed action in the past before another action, whereas "was unlocking" implies a continuous action in the past. For example, "He "had unlocked" the door before she arrived" versus "He "was unlocking" the door when she arrived".