locked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "locked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as describing something that is secured or inaccessible. Example: "The door was locked, preventing anyone from entering the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone was locked and loaded on taste.

The New Yorker

But the sequester was locked and loaded.

The New York Times

Less euphemistically, they locked and loaded.

The New York Times

Seventeen months' time and they're locked and loaded again.

The Guardian - Sport

"The United States military is locked and loaded," he said.

The New Yorker

The reality is this expenditure is locked and loaded.

The Guardian

Theater CROTON FALLS Schoolhouse Theater "Locked and Loaded," dramatic comedy by Todd Susman.

The New York Times

Kathleen Blanco, the governor of Louisiana, said: "They have M-16s, and they're locked and loaded.

The Guardian

"The plan is in place, locked and loaded," said Jeffrey Simek, a Xerox spokesman.

The New York Times

"Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely," Trump wrote.

The New Yorker

No doubt about it, the NFC's best are locked and loaded as the 1-2 punch.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "locked" to convey a sense of security, finality, or readiness. For example, "The data is locked for security reasons" or "The deal is locked, and we are moving forward."

Common error

Avoid using "locked" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where a more precise term would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "His emotions were locked," consider "His emotions were suppressed" or "His emotions were hidden".

Linguistic Context

The word "locked" primarily functions as an adjective, often describing a state of being secured or inaccessible. As Ludwig AI confirmes, it is correct and usable in English. It also functions as a past tense verb, as in 'she locked the door'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "locked" is a versatile term that correctly conveys security, finality, or a state of readiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable English word. Its usage spans various contexts, from physical security to abstract agreements. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase "locked and loaded" can introduce a more informal or even aggressive connotation. When employing "locked", ensure it fits the context and avoid overly abstract usages. Ludwig's examples highlight its widespread application across diverse sources, showcasing its adaptability in conveying a sense of security and preparedness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secured

Indicates that something is firmly fastened or protected, shifting the focus from the action of locking to the resulting state.

fastened

Emphasizes the act of joining or connecting something together, providing a more general term for securing.

sealed

Suggests a complete and secure closure, often implying that something is airtight or tamper-proof.

confirmed

Implies that something is officially established and cannot be changed, moving away from physical security to a state of certainty.

finalized

Indicates that something has reached its ultimate form and is ready for use, focusing on the completion of a process.

in place

Highlights that something is correctly positioned and ready for use, suggesting readiness and order.

established

Implies that something is firmly set up and recognized, shifting the focus to its recognized existence.

arranged

Suggests that something has been organized and prepared, emphasizing the planning and setup.

completed

Indicates that something is finished and no longer needs further work, focusing on the termination of an activity.

set

Implies that something is ready and in its designated position, suggesting a state of preparedness.

FAQs

How can I use "locked" in a sentence?

You can use "locked" to describe something that is secured, inaccessible, or finalized. For example, "The door was locked" or "The agreement is now locked".

What are some alternatives to using "locked"?

Alternatives include "secured", "fastened", or "sealed", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the data is locked"?

Yes, it is correct to say "the data is locked" to indicate that the data is secured and inaccessible to unauthorized users.

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

"Locked" often implies a physical or digital barrier, while "secured" is a more general term indicating that something is protected from harm or unauthorized access.