is unlocked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unlocked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something, such as a door or a device, is not secured and can be accessed freely. Example: "The door is unlocked, so you can come in whenever you're ready."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It is unlocked through discovery".

The New York Times

Adler's "Letter from Selma" is unlocked for everyone and available in full in our archive.

The New Yorker

The more people who enlist, the sooner a unique weapon is unlocked within the game.

The New York Times

The sooner that potential is unlocked the better for all its partners.

The Economist

For $4 a month extra, the network's full speed is unlocked.

The New York Times - Tech

The door to the box is unlocked, and the room has been looted.

The New York Times - Sports

Each pin is unlocked with the same small multi-combination key.

Independent

The case is unlocked, so his school-age children can play with the netsuke.

The New York Times - Arts

"The door is unlocked when we turn up at 4 a.m.

The New York Times - Travel

I know that the building is half-empty and that its front gate is unlocked.

The New York Times

Thereafter, the port for the data communication is unlocked.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "is unlocked" to convey the idea of potential being realized or opportunities becoming available. For example, "Their creativity is unlocked through experimentation."

Common error

While "is unlocked" is widely understood, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "is enabled", "is accessible", or "is revealed" for enhanced clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unlocked" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject has undergone the action of being unlocked. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct. The examples show its applicability in diverse contexts, from physical locks to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

34%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "is unlocked" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase widely used to denote a state of accessibility or the removal of a restriction. As Ludwig AI indicates, its prevalence spans across diverse contexts, including news, media, science, and general writing. While suitable for most situations, it's advisable to consider more precise synonyms like "is enabled" or "is accessible" in formal or academic contexts to avoid overusing "is unlocked" and ensure clarity. The phrase's semantic relatives include "is opened", "is released", and "is revealed", each offering a nuanced perspective on the concept of liberation from constraint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is opened

Implies a physical opening or access, similar to unlocking but without the specific lock mechanism.

is accessible

Focuses on the availability of access, shifting the emphasis from the act of unlocking to the state of being reachable.

is released

Suggests a freeing from constraint or confinement, similar to unlocking but more broadly applicable.

is revealed

Highlights the uncovering or disclosure aspect, akin to unlocking a secret or hidden information.

is made available

Emphasizes the provision of access or opportunity, shifting the focus to the act of making something accessible.

is activated

Implies enabling a function or feature, comparable to unlocking a device's potential.

is enabled

Similar to 'is activated', it conveys the idea of allowing something to function or be used.

is freed

Indicates liberation from a previous restriction or constraint, comparable to unlocking a bond.

is unblocked

Highlights the removal of an obstacle or obstruction, akin to unlocking a pathway.

is cleared

Suggests that something has been resolved or made available, similar to clearing a hurdle.

FAQs

What does "is unlocked" mean?

The phrase "is unlocked" means something previously secured or inaccessible has been made accessible. This can refer to physical objects like doors, or abstract concepts like potential.

What can I say instead of "is unlocked"?

You can use alternatives like "is opened", "is accessible", or "is released" depending on the context.

How to use "is unlocked" in a sentence?

You can use "is unlocked" to describe a state of access. For example, "The door is unlocked, so come in", or "The phone is unlocked and ready to use".

Is "is unlocked" formal or informal?

The phrase "is unlocked" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but in more formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "is enabled" or "is accessible" for increased precision.