having secured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having secured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain action has been completed successfully, often in a context where the result of that action is relevant to the following statement. Example: "Having secured the necessary funding, the project can now move forward as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 1859, having secured a train ticket, she joined him.

Harvard University

(Kitty nags Dan for never having secured the copyrights).

The New York Times

She takes obvious pride in having secured a place there.

The Guardian - Business

Having secured my affections, he gradually loses respect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Having secured extra revenues from gas, his task now will be to spend them wisely.

The Economist

But, having secured power, Mr Tusk has done only half the job.

The Economist

Having secured that majority, Salmond pledged to hold a referendum on independence within five years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he survived such a push this year, having secured nearly 70 percent of the votes.

The New York Times

Having secured health insurance, she took the test for the BRCA1 mutation.

The New York Times

2014: Job done, looks ahead to the legacy having secured new grassroots funding.

The Guardian - Sport

And most important, having secured a permanent low-interest environment, accept the need for stimulus.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having secured", ensure the subsequent clause clearly benefits from or relies on the secured element. This makes the connection between the two actions more explicit and logical.

Common error

Avoid using "having secured" when the securing action is less important than the main action that follows. If the focus should be on the achievement itself, a simpler phrasing might be more effective. For example, instead of saying "Having secured the grant, they started the project", consider "They secured the grant and started the project" if the project commencement is the primary focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having secured" functions as a perfect participle phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun and indicating a completed action that precedes another. As Ludwig AI indicates, this construction sets the stage or provides context for the subsequent clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "having secured" functions as a perfect participle phrase that's grammatically correct and highly versatile. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It signifies the completion of an action before another, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific sources, its register is neutral to professional. When writing, ensure the subsequent clause logically benefits from the secured element, and avoid using it when the securing action is less important than the main action that follows. Alternatives include "after obtaining", "once achieved", and "upon gaining", which can provide subtle shifts in meaning. Thus, "having secured" is an effective way to frame actions in relation to their outcomes, and is used with great frequency in formal sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after obtaining

Focuses on the action of getting or acquiring something, highlighting the process more than the resulting state.

once achieved

Emphasizes the accomplishment of a goal, framing the attainment as a singular event.

upon gaining

Similar to 'after obtaining' but implies a more gradual or progressive acquisition.

with acquisition of

Highlights the act of acquiring and its subsequent impact or consequence.

having attained

More formal than "having secured", stressing the high level of achievement.

after locking down

Suggests a firm and decisive action to secure something, often in a competitive context.

once in possession of

Focuses on the state of having something, emphasizing control and ownership.

with the guarantee of

Implies a secured outcome due to a pre-existing assurance or promise.

after finalizing

Focuses on the completion and confirmation of an action, suggesting a formal resolution.

with certainty of

Highlights the assured nature of the outcome, emphasizing the lack of doubt or risk.

FAQs

How can I use "having secured" in a sentence?

The phrase "having secured" introduces a perfect participle construction, indicating that one action was completed before another. For example, "Having secured funding, the team began the project" means the team obtained funding before starting the project.

What are some alternatives to using "having secured"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "after obtaining", "once achieved", or "upon gaining" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "having secured" and "securing"?

"Having secured" implies the action is completed before the next action occurs, whereas "securing" can imply a continuous or ongoing process. For example, "Securing the area, the troops advanced" suggests the area was being secured as the troops advanced, while "having secured the area" suggests the area was fully secured before they advanced.

Can "having secured" be used in all types of writing?

Yes, "having secured" is appropriate for various types of writing, including formal reports, news articles, and academic papers. It clearly indicates the completion of an action and its impact on subsequent events. The tone is generally neutral, suitable for most professional and academic contexts.