loose section

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loose section" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a part of a document, text, or physical object that is not securely attached or is not firmly in place. Example: "The report had a loose section that needed to be reattached before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They set the track and we know that there was a loose section of track prior to signal 109".

The Guardian

Separate a 2-inch piece of hair from the back of the loose section.

WikiHow

Carefully reach under each corner and grab the loose section with your fingertip.

WikiHow

Pull the third loose section of hair into the middle, between the other two sections.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Divide into a number of easily handled loose sections, loosely pin or tie off the sections yet to be used and keep away from the part you're working with.

WikiHow

The remedy here is not a light surface coating, but replacing the loose sections with drywall.

The New York Times

But if the original paint is still bonding firmly, then you may be able to get by with just scraping off the loose sections.

The New York Times

The roads were graded gravel, and while there were loose sections that sometimes had us standing on the footpegs, compared with driving between the parallel logs it was a piece of cake.

The New York Times

The first loose sections of a critical edition of Idrīsī's Kitāb nuzhat al-mushtāq, undertaken by a committee of Italian scholars in cooperation with a group of international experts, had begun to appear in the early 1970s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though the collection is organized into four loose sections based on what I interpret as loss, murder, longing and what remains after loss, it's difficult to understand why these stories had to appear in the same book.

The New York Times - Books

One might further wonder whether the rather chaotic order of the passages in the Theology and Letter on Divine Science is merely the result of textual catastrophe (with loose sections stitched back together to form the chapters of the Theology), or also preserves some deliberate re-ordering of the text.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues, such as in engineering or construction, use "loose section" to clearly indicate a part that requires attention or repair. For example, "Inspect the bridge for any signs of a "loose section" before proceeding".

Common error

Avoid overusing "loose section" as a general descriptor of something being imperfect. Be precise. Instead of saying "The argument has a "loose section"", specify what exactly makes that argument unconvincing, like "The argument contains an unsupported premise" or "The argument relies on anecdotal evidence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loose section" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "loose" modifies the noun "section". This phrase typically identifies a part of something that is not firmly attached or secured. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loose section" is a grammatically correct and usable term in English, typically functioning as a noun phrase to describe a part that is not firmly attached or secured. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in diverse contexts ranging from WikiHow guides to news articles and academic papers. Ludwig's analysis reveals that its usage is generally neutral, making it suitable for various writing styles. For enhanced clarity in technical writing, consider alternatives like "detached segment" or "unsecured component". However, be careful when using "loose section" in situations where it may not be precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unattached part

Focuses on the lack of attachment.

detached segment

Emphasizes separation from the whole.

unsecured segment

Highlights the lack of security or stability.

wobbly component

Implies instability or shakiness.

unstable portion

Suggests a lack of firmness or steadiness.

flapping segment

Describes a part moving freely and uncontrolled.

dangling piece

Emphasizes a hanging or swinging part.

unfastened element

Highlights the absence of fastening or connection.

ill-fitting part

Suggests a component that does not fit correctly.

disjointed segment

Implies a lack of connection or harmony with the rest.

FAQs

How can I use "loose section" in a sentence?

You can use "loose section" to describe parts of physical objects (e.g., "The railing has a "loose section"") or abstract concepts (e.g., "The plan has a "loose section" that needs clarification").

What is a more technical alternative to "loose section"?

Depending on the context, consider using terms like "detached segment", "unsecured component", or "unfastened element" for a more technical tone.

When is it appropriate to use "loose section" instead of "broken section"?

"Loose section" implies that a part is not firmly attached but may not be broken, whereas "broken section" indicates damage or irreparable separation. A "broken section" may require replacement; a "loose section" might only need reattachment.

What are some phrases similar in meaning to "loose section"?

Alternatives include "unattached part", "detached segment", or "unsecured segment". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.