seal properly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seal properly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of closing or securing something in a way that ensures it is airtight or secure. Example: "Make sure to seal properly the package before shipping it to avoid any damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A nurse put an oxygen mask on him but it wouldn't seal properly.

The New York Times - Health

Also, since the garage floor is uneven, the rubber door bottom does not seal properly and water flows underneath. A. The most obvious solution is to enlarge or improve the drain.

The New York Times

For a toilet gasket to seal properly, the space between the underside of the unglazed fixture, where the water exits the toilet, and the top of the toilet flange should be no more than a half an inch.

The Washington Post

Making matters worse, recent tests showed that differences as little as 16 one-thousandths of an inch in the clearance between two parts of the joint could dictate whether rubber O rings seal properly.

The New York Times - Science

Bombardier Recreational Products of Quebec is recalling about 33,700 of its 2008 12 Can-Am Spyder Roadsters because of a fire danger, according to a report the company filed with N.H.T.S.A. Bombardier said the fuel cap might not seal properly allowing vapors, which could catch fire, to escape.

The New York Times

The concern with the method BP chose, the document said, was that if the cement around the casing pipe did not seal properly, gases could leak all the way to the wellhead, where only a single seal would serve as a barrier.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Schettino's attorneys also pinned blame on the vessel's helmsman – they claimed he misunderstood the captain's orders – and the failure of the ship's emergency generators, which prevented the watertight doors from sealing properly.

The Guardian

If you can easily remove the paper with the door closed, it is not sealed properly and will be letting warm air into the fridge, making your appliance work harder to stay cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If the pipe is cemented sealed properly, the shallow aquifers are protected.

Forbes

It has a clean and contemporary look that, if sealed properly, is fairly low-maintenance.

Forbes

The hollow sections were sealed properly with cotton using conduit so that sensor can be inserted easily.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone on how to preserve food, emphasize the importance of ensuring the lids on canning jars "seal properly" to prevent spoilage and maintain food safety.

Common error

Don't assume a container is "sealed properly" just because it appears closed. Always check for any signs of leakage or improper alignment, as even small imperfections can compromise the seal's effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seal properly" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something should be sealed. It indicates the manner in which the action of sealing should be performed to achieve the desired result. Ludwig shows examples of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

27%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seal properly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes how an item should be sealed to ensure it is airtight or watertight. While versatile, as Ludwig examples suggest, it's crucial to verify the effectiveness of the seal rather than assuming closure. Alternatives include "close correctly" or "close tightly", with usage spanning across Wiki, News & Media, and Scientific contexts. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various communication scenarios. While not incredibly frequent, "seal properly" effectively conveys the importance of a correct and secure closure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correctly seal

Inverts the order of words while retaining the core meaning of correctness in sealing.

properly close

Inverts the order of words while retaining the core meaning of correctness in closing.

close correctly

Focuses on the correctness of the closing action, rather than the effectiveness of the seal.

secure effectively

Emphasizes the effectiveness of the securing action, implying a successful seal.

close tightly

Emphasizes the tightness of the closure, implying a strong seal.

close in a right way

Replaces "properly" with a more descriptive phrase, "in a right way", adding emphasis.

fasten securely

Highlights the security aspect of the fastening, implying a reliable seal.

close without leaks

Emphasizes the result of sealing, focusing on preventing leaks.

affix firmly

Focuses on the firmness of attachment, suggesting a strong and stable seal.

hermetically seal

Implies an airtight seal is achieved for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How can I ensure that something is "sealed properly"?

Check for a tight fit, listen for a click or pop indicating a vacuum seal, and test for leaks. The specific method depends on what you're sealing, but the goal is always to create an airtight or watertight barrier.

What happens if something isn't "sealed properly"?

Depending on the context, consequences can range from food spoilage and leaks to equipment malfunction or even safety hazards. A poor seal compromises the intended function of the closure.

What are some alternative ways to say "seal properly"?

You can use alternatives like "close correctly", "close tightly", or "fasten securely" depending on the situation.

Is "seal properly" formal or informal language?

The phrase is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more technical or specialized contexts may require more precise terminology.