loose articles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loose articles" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to items that are not securely fastened or contained, often in contexts like safety warnings or instructions. Example: "Please ensure that all loose articles are secured before the flight takes off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

So please stow all loose articles and bring your seat to the full upright position.

The New Yorker

Kristin Siebeneicher, a spokeswoman for Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J., said that for safety reasons, no loose articles were allowed on rides.

The New York Times

David Mandt, spokesman for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, whose members include Disney World and the company that operates the attractions at Coney Island, said it was not unusual for amusement parks to require guests to remove or secure loose articles, including head scarves or hats of any kind.

The New York Times

To create a steady, unobstructed airflow, the Cooling Pad N100 uses rear air intake, unlike other cooling pads, which generate airflow from angles that are easily blocked by the laptop itself or loose articles of clothing.

TechCrunch

Passengers on Millennium Force may not take loose articles onto the train and are required to wear shirts and footwear.

Wikipedia

Passengers on Maverick may not bring any loose articles onto the train and will be required to wear shirts and footwear.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It's much the same when Ms. Best's Beatrice goes soft and solemn in the middle of a volley of witticisms and has to readjust her manner like someone tucking in a loose article of clothing.

The New York Times

If that's not convenient, you can put on a loose article of clothing, but make it something you don't mind staining.

WikiHow

In fact, by most measures its policy has been fairly loose (see article).

The Economist

By A. R. Ammons The New Yorker, April 15 , 1985P. 49 Spring thaw peels loose View Article By Anthony Lane By Jia Tolentino By Andy Borowitz By John Cassidy.

The New Yorker

By E. M. Hatt The New Yorker, January 30 , 1954P. 65 Zeus often went on the loose View Article By Jelani Cobb By David Remnick By Jia Tolentino By Joan Acocella.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When issuing safety instructions, always specify the types of "loose articles" that need securing to avoid ambiguity. For instance, mention "phones, wallets, and bags" rather than just "loose articles".

Common error

Don't assume your audience automatically understands what constitutes "loose articles". Provide specific examples relevant to the context to ensure clarity and prevent accidents. For example, if referring to a vehicle, specify items like "tools, equipment, or personal belongings".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loose articles" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies items that are not securely fastened or contained. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples from news, wiki, and other sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loose articles" refers to items that are unsecured or unrestrained. While grammatically correct, Ludwig highlights that its frequency is uncommon. Its primary function is to warn or instruct people to secure these items for safety. When writing, specify the items whenever possible to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as unsecured items or unrestrained objects depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. This phrase is common enough to be found in News & Media and Wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsecured items

Replaces "loose" with "unsecured", focusing on the lack of securement.

unrestrained objects

Substitutes "loose" with "unrestrained" and "articles" with "objects", highlighting a lack of control.

detached belongings

Changes "loose" to "detached" and "articles" to "belongings", suggesting items that are separated or unattached.

unsecured possessions

Replaces "articles" with "possessions", emphasizing ownership but lack of security.

unfixed items

Replaces "loose" with "unfixed", implying that the items are not in a stable position.

unfastened objects

Focuses on the state of not being fastened or secured.

unsecured baggage

More specific, implying luggage not safely stored.

items at risk of falling

Describes the potential consequence of being loose.

things not stowed

Uses 'stowed' to mean safely packed away.

things that can move freely

Describes the lack of restriction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "loose articles" in a safety announcement?

You can use alternatives such as "unsecured items", "unrestrained objects", or specify the items directly (e.g., "please secure your bags and personal belongings").

Is it grammatically correct to use "loose articles" in formal writing?

Yes, "loose articles" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing, especially when providing safety instructions or guidelines. However, consider specifying the items for greater clarity.

What's the difference between "loose articles" and "personal belongings"?

"Loose articles" refers to items that are unsecured and potentially hazardous if they move around, while "personal belongings" is a broader term that encompasses all items owned by an individual, regardless of whether they are secured.

When should I use "loose articles" instead of more specific terms?

Use "loose articles" when you want to provide a general instruction covering a variety of items that need to be secured. For greater clarity, follow it with specific examples relevant to the situation (e.g., "loose articles such as phones, wallets, and bags").