secure a slot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure a slot" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to reserving or securing a specific time, spot, or space. For example: "I managed to secure a slot in the morning for my appointment with the doctor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The Sadrists failed in a bid to secure a slot as deputy prime minister, a development that pleased American officials.

The New York Times

The top-10% rule might be a blunt instrument, but it has helped thousands of Texas students secure a slot at the state's top university.

The Economist

In the preschool years, students have to apply through a lottery to secure a slot, even if it is at their neighborhood school.

The Washington Post

Ireland, which last qualified in 1994, became the 15th European team to secure a slot at next year's finals in South Korea and Japan.

The New York Times - Sports

Iran would have been deprived of six out of its 12 medals, and three of the four golds.Wrestling still has a chance to secure a slot in the 2020 schedule.

The Economist

Joe Weedon said it is hard to turn down Walls, an elite school in such high demand that qualified students have to win a lottery to secure a slot.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Much more tenacious about securing a slot in my diary.

The Guardian

But he made some calls anyway, and succeeded in securing a slot in the program for her child.

The New York Times

Vice is understood to have secured a slot high on Sky's electronic programming guide, but neither party would reveal the exact positioning of the new channel.

The Guardian

Swallow secured a slot with the tallest dog, longest snake and oldest gorilla in the 2011 Guinness World Records.

BBC

Fresno State secured a slot in the New Mexico Bowl, but San Jose State was unable to find an at-large berth.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, use "secure a slot" to indicate a successful effort in obtaining a position, time, or opportunity, especially when there's competition or limited availability.

Common error

Avoid using "secure a slot" with nouns that don't logically represent a limited or competitive resource. For example, it's incorrect to say "secure a thought" because thoughts aren't usually obtained through a competitive process. Instead, "have a thought" or "come up with an idea" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure a slot" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the action of successfully obtaining or reserving a limited resource, position, or opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "secure a slot" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe successfully obtaining a limited position, time, or opportunity. As Ludwig AI states, it’s suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academia and general conversation. When writing, ensure the noun used with "secure" logically represents something attainable with effort or competition. Related phrases like "reserve a spot" or "obtain a place" can serve as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reserve a spot

Focuses on reserving a physical location or position.

obtain a place

Emphasizes the act of getting a position, often through effort.

guarantee a position

Highlights the assurance or certainty of getting a spot.

book a time

Specifically refers to reserving a time or appointment.

arrange for a space

Implies planning and organizing to get a space.

get a reservation

Focuses on the act of making a reservation, often in advance.

gain entry

Focuses on getting access or being admitted to something.

win a place

Suggests achieving a position through competition or luck.

acquire an opportunity

Highlights obtaining a chance or possibility.

nail down a spot

Informal, suggesting securing a place with determination.

FAQs

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

You can use "secure a slot" to describe obtaining a limited resource. For example, "She worked hard to "secure a slot" in the advanced math class".

What are some alternatives to "secure a slot"?

Alternatives include "reserve a spot", "obtain a place", or "get a reservation" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "secure a slot" or "get a slot"?

"Secure a slot" implies a more active effort to obtain the position, whereas "get a slot" is more general. The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality desired.

What is the difference between "secure a slot" and "book a time"?

"Secure a slot" is more general and can apply to any position or opportunity, while "book a time" specifically refers to reserving a time or appointment.