made fast

USAGE SUMMARY

"made fast" is a perfectly correct phrase used in written English.
It means to have something secured firmly in place. For example: After the storm, I made sure to check on the roof to make sure all of the shingles had been made fast.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hong Kong movies are made fast.

The New Yorker

I left school when I made fast money, cash money.

The New York Times

He came out of the coma and made fast progress.

The New Yorker

Then upon the mast was the raiment of the sea, the sail, with rope made fast.

The New Yorker

Age: 23 The fifty of us on FoodCorps's maiden voyage made fast friends.

The New York Times

Moorings made fast, boarding planks clatter on to the dock and are roped down.

Independent

The demonstrators, opting for nonviolent civil disobedience, were accommodated by the police, who made fast arrests.

The New York Times

But energy comes with the end in sight, and we made fast progress to the top.

The New York Times - Travel

Layard loved the Near East, where he put himself through countless perils and made fast friendships.

The New York Times - Books

Screw-driven and diesel-engined, the modern towboat is made fast to the stern of its tow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The results were used to design a new set of electrodes for a home-made fast transverse flow CO2 laser.

Optics & Laser Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made fast" in nautical or construction contexts, ensure the object being secured is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The mooring lines were made fast to the bollard."

Common error

Avoid using "made fast" when you simply mean "did quickly". "Made fast" implies securing or fixing something, not just speed of action. For example, do not say "He made fast a decision" when you mean "He decided quickly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made fast" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of securing something, often physically, in a quick and efficient manner. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and well-established in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made fast" is a versatile phrase primarily used to describe the act of securing something quickly and firmly. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. While commonly found in News & Media, it also appears in encyclopedias and scientific writing. Its meaning ranges from physically fastening objects, as in nautical contexts, to rapidly achieving progress. When using "made fast", ensure the context aligns with its core meaning of swift and secure attachment to avoid misinterpretation. Remember that alternatives like ""secured quickly"" or "firmly attached" can provide nuanced substitutes depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secured quickly

Emphasizes the speed of securing something.

advanced rapidly

Focuses on the quick pace of advancement or progress.

progressed swiftly

Highlights the speed of making progress.

completed promptly

Highlights the speed of completing a certain task.

effected rapidly

Highlights the quickness with which something is brought about or accomplished.

established quickly

Emphasizes the speed with which something is established or set up.

created rapidly

Emphasizes the speed with which something is created.

manufactured quickly

Focuses on speed in the context of manufacturing.

produced expeditiously

Highlights the efficiency and speed of production.

forged swiftly

Emphasizes the speed and strength implied in creating or forming something.

FAQs

How can I use "made fast" in a sentence?

To use "made fast" correctly, think of it as securing or fixing something in place. For example, "The sailors "made fast" the ship to the dock" or "Ensure the supports are "made fast" before continuing construction".

What does "made fast" mean in a nautical context?

In sailing and nautical terms, "made fast" means to securely tie or fasten a line, rope, or cable. The goal is to prevent slippage or movement, ensuring the vessel or equipment remains stable and secured to a fixed point. It's similar to saying something is "securely attached".

Is there a difference between "made fast" and "secured quickly"?

While both phrases imply speed and security, "made fast" specifically refers to the action of fastening or securing something, often physically. "Secured quickly", on the other hand, can be more general, referring to any type of securing, whether physical or abstract. For example, you might say "The deal was "secured quickly"", but it would be less common to say "The deal was "made fast"" in that context.

What are some alternatives to "made fast" in a construction context?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "made fast" could include "secured tightly", "firmly attached", or "strongly fixed". All these alternatives emphasize the stability and security of the connection.