it is locked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is locked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something, such as a door or a device, is secured and cannot be opened without the appropriate key or code. Example: "I tried to enter the room, but it is locked, so I will have to wait for someone to let me in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Otherwise, it is locked up.

The New York Times

Unless it is locked in a shed.

The Washington Post

It is locked in 1970s liberal orthodoxy.

The New York Times

Does anything change if it is locked in a safe?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Unless it is locked shut, Spartacus may return".

The New Yorker

It is locked up and empty to this day".

The New York Times

Once data is written, it is locked, preventing any modification.

MIT Technology Review

There is a church but it is locked.

The Guardian - Books

This sensor is to determine if someone is sitting on the bike when it is locked.

Cornell University

"Photograph 'B' shows the same cupboard as it looks when it is locked.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it is locked in a continuous battle with cryptographers who are developing increasingly sophisticated security systems.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is locked" to clearly and directly indicate that something is not accessible or cannot be opened due to a locking mechanism. This phrase is versatile and understood in various contexts, from physical objects like doors to digital systems.

Common error

Avoid using "it is locked" too frequently in metaphorical contexts where other phrases might be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "the information is locked away", consider alternatives like "the information is closely guarded" or "the information is confidential" for better nuance and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is locked" functions as a declarative statement. It asserts a state of being for a subject, indicating that it cannot be opened or accessed without the appropriate means. Ludwig AI provides several examples where the phrase directly describes the physical condition of an object or a more abstract situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is locked" is a common and grammatically correct statement used to indicate that something is secured or inaccessible. Ludwig AI indicates that its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from formal news reports to informal conversations. The primary contexts where it's found are News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. Related phrases include "it is secured" and "it is fastened", offering similar meanings with slight differences in nuance. When using this phrase, avoid overusing it in metaphorical contexts where more specific alternatives might provide greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is secured

This alternative focuses on the action of securing something, implying that it has been made safe or protected.

it is fastened

This suggests that something is physically attached or joined together, preventing movement or separation.

it is bolted

Emphasizes the use of a bolt as a securing mechanism, often implying a more robust or heavy-duty closure.

it is sealed

Implies that something is closed tightly, preventing entry or escape of air, liquid, or other substances.

it is inaccessible

This highlights the inability to reach or access something, either physically or metaphorically.

it is unopenable

Directly states that something cannot be opened, emphasizing the impossibility of gaining entry.

it is unchangeable

Indicates that something cannot be modified or altered, highlighting its fixed or permanent state.

it is unmodifiable

Similar to unchangeable, this emphasizes the inability to make alterations or adjustments.

it is fixed

Implies that something is firmly in place and cannot be moved or changed.

it is impassable

Suggests that something cannot be passed through or crossed, emphasizing a barrier or obstacle.

FAQs

How can I use "it is locked" in a sentence?

You can use "it is locked" to describe a physical state, such as "The door "it is locked", so we need a key". It can also be used metaphorically, like "The company "it is locked" in a contract dispute".

What are some alternatives to "it is locked"?

Some alternatives include "it is secured", "it is fastened", or "it is inaccessible" depending on the context. These alternatives provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

Is "it is locked" formal or informal?

"It is locked" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.

Which is correct, "it is locked" or "it's locked"?

Both "it is locked" and "it's locked" are correct, with "it's locked" being a contraction of "it is locked". "It's locked" is more informal, while "it is locked" is slightly more formal and emphasizes each word.