properly secured

USAGE SUMMARY

"properly secured" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to something being properly and securely attached or fixed in place. For example: "Be sure to properly secure any heavy objects that you hang on the wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A total of 36 hours passed before the missiles were properly secured, officials have said.

The New York Times

"The marble tile didn't appear to be properly secured," said Jennifer Givner, a Buildings Department spokeswoman.

The New York Times

If not properly secured, cargo may have shifted to one side and caused the ferry to tilt.

The Economist

Earlier, Mr. Burkhardt, who did not respond to several requests for comment, said the train had been properly secured.

The New York Times

Richard Levernier had his security clearance revoked for revealing that some of the country's nuclear facilities were not properly secured.

The Economist

If the windows of the boat are properly secured, and the boat flips upside down in high seas, it will return to an upright position.

The New York Times

"Claims that depots holding Manpads and other dangerous weapons are still not being properly secured are very worrisome and should be thoroughly investigated," Mr. Schroeder said.

The New York Times

The information, including drug names and diagnostic codes, was stored on a computer file server that was not properly secured, university officials said.

The New York Times - Health

Investigators have repeatedly been denied access to the site, which is under the control of pro-Russian separatists and has still not been properly secured.

Independent

He died because he was handcuffed and shackled in a police van but not properly secured, leaving him vulnerable to crashing around.

The New Yorker

Another truck, filled with sand and rocks, had no cover, and the two pieces of construction equipment on its flatbed trailer were not properly secured.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or guidelines, use "properly secured" to clearly communicate the need for items to be firmly in place to avoid hazards or malfunctions.

Common error

Avoid vague instructions. Instead of simply stating something must be "secured", specify the exact method to ensure it is "properly secured", such as using specific types of fasteners or following a particular tightening sequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "properly secured" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun. It specifies the manner in which something is fastened or protected, emphasizing the correctness and safety of the action. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically sound and fit for use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "properly secured" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that has been fastened or protected in a safe and correct manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to technical instructions. It is particularly useful when emphasizing safety and adherence to specific guidelines. When writing, ensure that instructions are clear and detailed to avoid ambiguity, and consider using alternatives like "securely attached" or "adequately protected" to add variety to your language. Remember that specifying the method of securing something is as important as stating it must be "properly secured".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

securely attached

Highlights the strength and reliability of the attachment.

effectively protected

Focuses on the efficiency and effectivness of the protection.

adequately protected

Focuses on the level of protection provided.

suitably protected

Highlights the fitness of the protection to the task.

appropriately safeguarded

Highlights the suitability of the safeguarding measures.

reliably protected

Stresses the dependability of the protection.

safely attached

Emphasizes the safety aspect of being attached.

correctly fastened

Emphasizes the accuracy of the fastening process.

well-fastened

Emphasizes the quality of the fastening.

firmly fixed

Focuses on the stability and immovability of the object.

FAQs

How can I use "properly secured" in a sentence?

You can use "properly secured" to describe an object or person that is safely and firmly attached or protected. For example: "Ensure the ladder is "properly secured" before climbing it."

What does "properly secured" mean?

"Properly secured" means that something is attached or fastened in a way that ensures it is safe, stable, and will not come loose or cause harm. The emphasis is on doing something correctly to ensure safety and stability.

What can I say instead of "properly secured"?

Alternatives include "adequately protected", "securely attached", or "firmly fixed", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "secured" and "properly secured"?

"Secured" implies something is attached, while "properly secured" emphasizes the method and quality of attachment. Something that is "properly secured" has been attached correctly and safely to avoid any potential issues.