on a leash

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a leash" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to an animal being restrained by a leash or similar item. Example: "The dog obediently walked along the sidewalk, staying on a leash held tightly by its owner."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Have the dog on a leash in one room.

WikiHow

If it's not on a leash, ask the owner to place it on one.

WikiHow

He's on a leash.

The Guardian

But they are also on a leash.

The New York Times

Macharia spent the whole time keeping Wanjiru on a leash.

The New Yorker

And prevent your cat from climbing trees on a leash.

The New York Times

And she needs to learn to walk on a leash.

The New York Times - Books

At least this dog was on a leash.

The New Yorker

Take Inong, who keeps a monkey on a leash.

The New Yorker

People who have four LARGE dogs on a leash?

The New York Times

Her immediate challenge will be keeping Bollinger on a leash".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about animals in public spaces, clearly state the requirement of being "on a leash" to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.

Common error

Avoid using "on a leash" metaphorically without clearly establishing the context of control or restriction. Otherwise, it might confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a leash" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb. According to Ludwig, it indicates a state of being physically restrained by a leash, typically referring to animals. It can also be used metaphorically to describe control or restriction over someone or something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

36%

News & Media

36%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a leash" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that can be used both literally and metaphorically. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to indicate restraint or control, whether physical or figurative. It appears frequently in Wiki, News & Media, and Science contexts. While its literal meaning is straightforward, ensure clarity when using it metaphorically to avoid confusion. Remember to clearly state the requirement of being "on a leash" when you are writing about animals in public spaces. Overall, this phrase is a versatile tool for expressing the concept of control or limitation in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under control

Focuses on the state of being managed or restrained, rather than the physical act.

in check

Implies a monitoring and limiting influence, differing from physical restriction.

restrained

Emphasizes the act of limiting or holding back.

tethered

Highlights a literal connection, like a rope or chain, often used for animals.

held back

Suggests preventing someone or something from progressing.

kept in line

Implies obedience and adherence to rules.

under supervision

Highlights the act of being watched over and guided.

managed closely

Focuses on careful administration and control.

closely monitored

Indicates careful observation and tracking.

in harness

Suggests being actively engaged and controlled within a system or task.

FAQs

How can the phrase "on a leash" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "on a leash" is generally used to describe a situation where someone or something is being controlled or restrained. For instance, "The dog needs to be "on a leash" in the park."

What are some alternatives to saying "on a leash"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "under control", "restrained", or "tethered".

Is it grammatically correct to say "on a leash"?

Yes, the phrase "on a leash" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to describe something being physically restrained or metaphorically controlled.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "on a leash" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "on a leash" metaphorically when describing someone or something being tightly controlled or restricted in their actions or freedom, similar to how an animal "on a leash" is physically restrained.