safely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "safely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is done without risk or danger. Example: "Please ensure that all equipment is stored safely after use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Far more fossil fuels – about 2650GT – are held by state-owned companies, meaning that in total there are four to five times more fossil fuels in existing reserves than can be safely burned.

The Guardian

Yet nearly all advertising for sanitary products encourages us to hide this chunk of our lives – three thousand days for most women – by preventing leaks that might embarrass us and everyone else; by ensuring we don't, God forbid, smell of menstrual blood; by putting menstruation behind locked doors and safely enclosed in euphemism.

The Guardian - Opinion

We enjoy a chat with me tucked safely in the middle, wearing Gulotta's heavy white bulletproof vest.

The Guardian

In terms of preparing cities to be as disaster-resilient as possible, the UN's office for disaster risk reduction launched its Making Cities Resilient campaign in 2010, urging local governments to raise disaster resilience awareness among citizens, invest in risk-reduction activities, and build more safely.

The Guardian

Related: Women in Labour: Miliband promises midwife for every mother giving birth In a report – The Fragile Frontline – published on Sunday, the college calls on the next government to increase resources for community health care, so that psychiatric and physical care can be safely provided outside of hospitals by a skilled workforce.

The Guardian

The relevant authorities claim that space is inevitably limited, and outmoded guide books and old railway timetables can be safely thrown away – though what is binned usually goes much further.

The Guardian - Opinion

To get a feel for how GPI differs from GDP, imagine two heating-oil trucks leaving from the same utility company: one safely completes its deliveries and the other has a major oil spill on the way to its first customer.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 8.56pm AEST11:56 28 min: Slater safely fields a NSW kick before Tate is pulverised by Scott and Reynolds.

The Guardian - Sport

You'll learn the grammatical rules you need to remember – and the ones you can safely forget – and leave feeling more confident to write freely and share your work with the world.

The Guardian

At best, we can safely say that millions of adolescent girls are affected.

The Guardian

Upskilling the Iraqi security forces in this area will allow them to clear territory safely and return it to local people who have been displaced".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "safely" with verbs that clearly indicate a reduction in risk, like "handle safely", "store safely", or "operate safely", to emphasize the proactive measures being taken.

Common error

Ensure "safely" is placed close to the verb it modifies to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Store the chemicals safely" is clearer than "Safely store the chemicals if the safety measures are mandatory".

Linguistic Context

The adverb "safely" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed to avoid risk or harm. Ludwig AI's examples show it describing how actions like "burned", "enclosed", and "provided" are executed, ensuring a secure outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "safely" is a versatile term used to describe actions performed in a manner that avoids risk or danger. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common in written English, particularly within News & Media. When using "safely", ensure it's clearly linked to the action it modifies and be mindful of the specific context to choose the most appropriate synonym, such as ""securely"" or ""cautiously"". By following these guidelines, you can effectively convey a sense of security and confidence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

securely

A direct synonym, focusing on the protection aspect.

in a secure manner

Uses "secure" instead of "safe", focusing on the condition of being protected.

in safety

Uses the noun form of "safe" to convey a similar meaning.

without risk

Emphasizes the absence of potential harm or danger.

with caution

Highlights the carefulness and prudence involved in the action.

without hazard

Highlights the absence of potential dangers or obstacles.

protected

Highlights the state of being guarded from harm.

carefully

Emphasizes attention to detail to avoid danger.

under protection

Suggests being covered or shielded by something.

out of harm's way

Idiomatic expression indicating a location or situation free from danger.

FAQs

How can I use "safely" in a sentence?

Use "safely" to describe an action performed in a way that avoids risk or danger. For example, "The technician "safely disposed of" the hazardous waste."

What are some alternatives to using "safely"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "securely", "cautiously", or "without risk" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "safely operate" or "safe operate"?

"Safely operate" is correct. "Safely" is an adverb that modifies the verb "operate", indicating how the operation should be performed. "Safe" is an adjective and cannot modify a verb.

What's the difference between "safely" and "securely"?

"Safely" generally refers to the avoidance of harm or danger, while ""securely"" implies protection against theft, loss, or unauthorized access. While they can sometimes be interchangeable, their nuances differ.