locked to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "locked to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something being secured to another thing, usually using a lock. For example, "The gate was locked to the fence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Bicycles still locked to a metal rack.

The New York Times

I hate being locked to it".

The New York Times - Tech

Once he engages, DeCastro stays locked to his defender.

The New York Times

It's made by EE so is locked to the network.

Independent

A few battered bikes are still locked to stands.

The New York Times

Seats should also be locked to bicycle frames.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Continuous EEG data were epoched in 9000-millisecond windows time-locked to the trigger.

BioMed Research International

Specifically, examining activity time-locked to retrieval item presentation would be interesting.

eLife

It also demonstrates a new transition scenario from phase-locked to phase-entrained and drift response.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Pyramidal cells and putative interneurons were phase-locked to theta oscillations.

Neuroscience

ERPs were time-locked to the onset of the second word of the pair.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "locked to" to indicate a strong dependence or synchronization between two elements, especially in technical or scientific contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "locked to" when a simpler term like "connected to" or "related to" would suffice, especially in non-technical writing. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "locked to" primarily functions as a linking verb followed by a preposition, indicating a state of being secured or connected. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in both physical and abstract contexts. It shows a relation with the action described in the first verb, for example "Buildings were locked to protect the students inside".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "locked to" is a versatile expression used to convey a state of being secured, connected, or synchronized. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including science, news and media, and encyclopedias. While primarily functioning as a linking verb followed by a preposition, its register varies from formal scientific writing to neutral news reporting. When using "locked to", consider whether a simpler term might be more appropriate in non-technical writing to avoid sounding overly formal. Remember that in cases of securing doors and items use "locked to" to emphasize that the item is secured by a lock.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secured to

Focuses on the physical aspect of being fastened or fixed in place.

fastened to

Emphasizes the act of attaching something firmly.

attached to

Highlights the connection between two things, without necessarily implying security.

connected to

Indicates a link or association, which may or may not be physical.

fixed to

Suggests a state of being immobile or permanently attached.

bound to

Implies a constraint or obligation, differing from a physical connection.

tethered to

Suggests being tied or restricted by a rope or chain.

synchronized with

Focuses on temporal alignment rather than physical attachment.

keyed to

Indicates alignment or correspondence, often in a metaphorical sense.

restricted to

Indicates limitation or confinement, differing from physical attachment.

FAQs

How can I use "locked to" in a sentence?

You can use "locked to" to describe something physically secured, like "The bicycle was "locked to" the rack". It can also describe synchronization, as in "The signal is "locked to" the timing of the event".

What are some alternatives to "locked to"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "locked to" include "secured to", "attached to", "connected to", or "synchronized with".

Is it correct to say "the data is code-locked to prevent unauthorized access"?

Yes, "code-locked to" can be used to describe data security measures. A more common phrasing might be "code-protected" or "encrypted", but "code-"locked to"" is understandable.

What's the difference between "locked to" and "restricted to"?

"Locked to" typically implies a physical or technical constraint, whereas "restricted to" suggests a limitation or confinement. For example, a phone might be locked to a specific carrier, while access might be restricted to authorized personnel.