secure a result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure a result" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to obtain or achieve a particular outcome or goal. Example: The team worked tirelessly to secure a result in the final minutes of the game.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

However, Thomson fails to escape the attention of the police who, led by an explosively foulmouthed Ray Winstone, are desperate to secure a result on the bigger set of killings.

The Guardian - Film

Saturday's early kick-off is probably more important for the hosts, not just because their home advantage puts them under pressure to secure a result, but also because a defeat would open up a massive gap to the league leaders.

The Guardian - Sport

Newcastle (H) - 11 May The final game of the season is against Newcastle, a fitting finale if the Reds have to secure a result to win the title on the last day of the campaign.

Independent

But the former Watford player and manager saw his side dig deep to secure a result, in front of watching England manager Roy Hodgson.

BBC

This will unquestionably further the course toward a two-speed or multi-speed European Union; it is hard to judge how exactly it will play out except for the obvious conclusion that no one will be happy -- especially not after having used so much political capital and good will to secure a result.

Huffington Post

Under the regulations of the FA Cup, thirty minutes of extra time could be played in the event of a draw, at the referee's discretion, and in response to the fervent mood of the crowd the captains asked to play on to try to secure a result.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Securing a result is another matter, however.

The New York Times

They are no less talented than West Ham but are less proficient at the mechanics of securing a result.

The Guardian - Sport

The Dutch players' historic tendency towards in-fighting and disharmony has, in the past, encouraged opponents to believe that the most effective way of securing a result has been the hope that they would beat themselves.

The Guardian - Sport

Gibbs had the best chance of securing a result in normal time when he produced one of the great Wembley misses from the six-yard line but Ramsey was more deadly when his extra-time opportunity arrived.

The Guardian - Sport

Where the issue is simple and public opinion is definite, the plutocracy is powerless; but where public opinion is undecided, or baffled by the complexity of the issue, the plutocracy can secure a desired result.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, use "secure a result" when you want to emphasize the effort involved in achieving a specific outcome, especially in situations where the outcome is not guaranteed.

Common error

Avoid using "secure a result" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it may sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "achieve a goal" or "attain an objective".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure a result" functions as a verb phrase where "secure" acts as a transitive verb, "a" is an article, and "result" serves as a noun. It describes the action of successfully obtaining or ensuring a specific outcome, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secure a result" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that means to successfully achieve or obtain a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. While not overly formal, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and general discussions. Alternative phrases such as "achieve an outcome" or "attain a goal" offer similar meanings, but "secure a result" specifically highlights the effort involved in ensuring that outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve an outcome

Focuses on the attainment of a specific outcome, differing slightly in formality.

attain a goal

Centers on reaching a specific goal, similar in scope but different wording.

obtain a victory

Implies a competitive context where a win is achieved, narrower than any result.

procure a favorable outcome

Highlights the act of obtaining a positive outcome through effort.

ensure success

Highlights the guarantee of a successful outcome, adding an element of certainty.

deliver a success

Emphasizes the act of providing or producing a success, shifting the focus slightly.

guarantee a win

Stronger emphasis on certainty of achieving a win, more limited context.

clinch a decision

Implies making a definitive decision final, with connotations of firmness.

lock in a positive outcome

Suggests finalizing and ensuring a beneficial result, adding a sense of security.

seal a deal

Primarily used in business contexts to denote finalizing an agreement.

FAQs

What does "secure a result" mean?

It means to successfully achieve or obtain a particular outcome or goal, often implying effort or overcoming challenges.

How can I use "secure a result" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe efforts to achieve a win in sports, finalize a business deal, or obtain a desired outcome in negotiations.

Which is more appropriate, "secure a result" or "achieve a result"?

"Secure a result" emphasizes the effort and potential difficulty in obtaining the outcome, while "achieve a result" is a more neutral term that simply indicates the successful attainment of an outcome.

What are some alternatives to "secure a result"?

Alternatives include "achieve an outcome", "obtain a victory", or "attain a goal", depending on the specific context.