secure him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate the act of ensuring someone's safety or capturing someone. Example: "The guards were instructed to secure him until the authorities arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, his attorneys say, prosecutors backtracked on a promise to get him a new Social Security number, place him in witness protection and secure him a work visa.

Los Angeles Times

We'll either move Demba on or secure him.

The Guardian - Sport

He will want to negotiate from the stronger position a run-off would secure him.

Independent

However his success today may be enough to secure him a reprieve.

Independent

The Web site TVNewser reported that Fox wanted to "secure him through the next election cycle".

The New York Times

She was so touched that she launched an appeal to secure him a flat.

Independent

The rhetoric attracted nationalist voters, who helped to secure him a fourth term in office.

The New Yorker

"But if you secure him, caress him and give him some food, he will be obedient.

The New York Times

"In Excelsis" helped secure him a place as one of the great poets of the time.

The New York Times - Books

Wylie was able to secure him a massive advance for his next novel, The Information.

The Guardian - Books

He trusted me to ensure that the carabiners were clicked in, to secure him as well.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "secure him", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean to protect him, obtain something for him, or capture him. The meaning can shift based on the surrounding words.

Common error

Avoid using "secure him" without clarifying the intent. It can mean protect, obtain, or capture. Vague usage may confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure him" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Based on Ludwig's examples, it indicates actions related to ensuring safety, obtaining something for someone, or capturing someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secure him" is a versatile verb phrase that, according to Ludwig AI, is grammatically correct and frequently used, predominantly in News & Media. Its meaning can vary from protecting someone to capturing them, necessitating careful contextual understanding. While generally neutral in register, alternatives like "ensure his safety" or "apprehend him" might provide greater clarity in specific scenarios. To avoid ambiguity, it is important to contextualize the phrase and ensure a clear intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure his safety

Focuses specifically on guaranteeing the person's well-being and protection.

safeguard him

Highlights the act of protecting him from potential harm or danger.

protect him

Emphasizes shielding him from any threat or danger.

guarantee his position

Specifically refers to ensuring the stability and continuation of his role or status.

assure his capture

Highlights the certainty of apprehending him.

apprehend him

Focuses on the act of capturing or arresting him.

capture him

Simply refers to taking him into custody.

detain him

Emphasizes holding him in custody, often temporarily.

procure his release

Focuses on obtaining his freedom, often through negotiation or intervention.

obtain his consent

Emphasizes gaining his agreement or permission, usually implies a legal or ethical context.

FAQs

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

You can use "secure him" to mean protecting someone, like "The bodyguards will "ensure his safety"", or capturing someone, like "The police will "apprehend him"".

What does "secure him" mean?

"Secure him" can mean to protect him from harm, to ensure he obtains something, or to capture him. The specific meaning depends on the context.

What are some alternatives to "secure him"?

Alternatives to "secure him" include "protect him", "capture him", or "guarantee his position", depending on the desired meaning.

Is "secure him" formal or informal?

"Secure him" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although the alternatives might be more suitable depending on the specific situation.