pin down

USAGE SUMMARY

"pin down" is a correct part of a sentence in written English.
It is used mainly to mean to determine or fix something that was previously uncertain. For example: We need to pin down a date for the meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"That makes them harder to pin down".

The New York Times - Books

There's something that you can't pin down.

The New York Times

It's hard to pin down his work.

The Washington Post

It's difficult to pin down why.

The New York Times

It's harder to pin down Kusturica's position.

The Guardian - Film

Morrison sought to pin down its appeal.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

He will not be pinned down.

The New Yorker

CARSON: I hate to be pinned down.

The New Yorker

"We're pinned down in the compound.

The Guardian

We've been pinned down to zero.

The Washington Post

Pinning down the reasons is not easy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While commonly used, avoid overuse in very formal writing where a more direct synonym might be preferable.

Common error

While "pin down" is versatile, be mindful of your audience. In highly formal documents, consider using a more precise verb like "determine", "ascertain", or "establish" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pin down" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It is used to express the action of identifying something precisely, securing something firmly, or compelling someone to make a decision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "pin down" is a versatile and frequently used expression that means to identify something precisely, secure something firmly, or compel someone to make a decision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to consider the specific context and audience to ensure appropriate tone. Common authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase. When writing, it's helpful to know that alternatives like "identify precisely" or "determine definitively" can be used for greater formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nail down the specifics

Uses a similar idiom with a slightly stronger emphasis on detail.

identify precisely

Replaces the phrasal verb with a more formal and direct verb phrase.

determine definitively

Emphasizes the conclusive nature of the determination, adding a sense of finality.

establish with certainty

Highlights the establishment of something without doubt.

ascertain accurately

Focuses on the precision and correctness of the discovery.

secure firmly

Emphasizes the act of making something stable and unmovable, akin to physical pinning.

clarify specifically

Highlights the process of making something clear and detailed.

specify exactly

Stresses the exactness of the specification, offering a more direct alternative.

get a fix on

Informal alternative for understanding or identifying something.

tie down

Focuses on restricting or committing someone or something to a specific course of action or location.

FAQs

How can I use "pin down" in a sentence?

"Pin down" can be used to mean identify something precisely, as in "I'm trying to pin down the source of the error", or to secure something physically, as in "Pin down the fabric before you start sewing".

What are some alternatives to using "pin down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "identify precisely", "determine definitively", or "secure firmly".

Is it better to use "pin down" or "nail down the specifics"?

Both "pin down" and "nail down the specifics" are valid, but "nail down the specifics" is often used when you want to emphasize getting very detailed information.

What does it mean when someone says they can't be "pinned down"?

If someone says they can't be "pinned down", it means they are unwilling to commit to a specific course of action or opinion. It suggests a desire to remain flexible or unconstrained.