secure first place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure first place" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is successful in obtaining a leading position or rank. For example, "James worked hard to secure first place in the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

WIN FOR NORWAY Anders Jacobsen helped Norway win a ski jump World Cup team event in Oberstdorf, Germany, to secure first place in the overall team tour title.

The New York Times - Sports

Nevertheless, the Gunners head to Italy three points clear at the top of Group F and so a draw would be good enough to secure first place and with it seeding for the knockout stage.

Independent

As a manner in which to secure first place it was not beautiful but in that respect it was the perfect way to send off Jacques Burger, the great warrior, who took a bow before and after the match.

The Guardian - Sport

Also through are Switzerland, for whom a 0-0 drat at home to Israel was enough to secure first place in Group Two and guarantee a play-off place for Greece, who beat Luxembourg 2-1.

The Guardian - Sport

This is as giddy as Mangini gets, his mood dictated by the crazy twists this game took and his team's ability to overcome the blown leads and a blown-up secondary to secure first place in the American Football Conference East with a 7-3 record.

The New York Times - Sports

Greece need a point in Georgia to secure first place regardless of Croatia's result against Latvia.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

That would secure fifth place, and an elimination match at fourth-placed St Helens in the first round next Friday.

The Guardian - Sport

Sociedad can secure fourth place if they beat Real Madrid and fifth-placed Valencia lose to Granada.

BBC

Cardiff and Bellamy face Burnley on Saturday knowing a victory will secure third place in the Championship and a play-off match against the sixth-placed team.

BBC

We have to make sure we try to secure sixth place in the constructors' championship.

The Guardian - Sport

They also wanted to see Rosberg secure second place in the championship.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "secure first place" when emphasizing the effort or strategy involved in achieving the top position in a competition, ranking, or other hierarchical system.

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, avoid using "secure first place" excessively in highly formal academic or business documents. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "attain the highest rank" or "achieve the preeminent position" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure first place" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of achieving the top position in a competition, ranking, or other hierarchical system. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "secure first place" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to express the attainment of the top position in a competition or ranking. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable. While generally neutral in tone, it is most frequently found in news and sports contexts. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "achieve the preeminent position". Remember to use "secure first place" when you wish to emphasize the effort and strategic approach taken to reach the pinnacle of success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clinch the top spot

Replaces "secure" with "clinch" and "first place" with "top spot", emphasizing a decisive victory.

win first prize

Focuses on the reward aspect of winning, using "prize" instead of "place".

finish in the lead

Emphasizes the act of completing a race or competition ahead of everyone else.

seal the victory

Emphasizes the act of definitively ensuring a win.

attain the highest rank

Replaces "secure" with "attain" and "first place" with "highest rank", making it sound more formal.

top the leaderboard

Implies achieving the highest position on a ranking list.

achieve the pole position

Borrowing from motorsports terminology, this implies achieving the leading starting position.

take the gold medal

Specifically references winning in a competition where gold medals are awarded.

dominate the competition

Shifts focus from simply winning to showing clear superiority.

emerge victorious

A more general phrase that emphasizes the overall feeling of winning.

FAQs

How can I use "secure first place" in a sentence?

You can use "secure first place" to describe an action that results in someone achieving the top rank. For instance, "The athlete trained diligently to "secure first place" in the championship."

What are some alternatives to "secure first place"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "win first prize", "clinch the top spot", or "attain the highest rank".

Is there a difference between "secure first place" and "win first place"?

While similar, ""secure first place"" emphasizes the process and effort involved in achieving the top position, while "win first place" focuses more on the outcome of the competition.

Is "secure first place" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, ""secure first place"" may sound slightly informal in very formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "achieve the preeminent position" or "attain the highest rank" in those situations.