secure that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something should be made certain, safe, or certain to stay in place. For example: "We need to secure that the roof of the building is safe before we continue with repairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need to secure that third place.

Independent

The Israelis helped secure that zone of denial.

The New Yorker

Hopefully I'll be able to secure that spot.

The Guardian - Sport

I want to secure that legacy for Scottish tennis".

The Guardian - Sport

It is hard to imagine the mobile app that could secure that result.

The Economist

Some analysts believe that the clash was engineered by hard-liners to secure that result.

The Economist

And they're coming into this country because the federal government has failed to secure that border.

The New York Times

It took such a long time just to secure that area".

The New York Times

It took us 18 months to secure that, but we did that last year.

The Guardian

Our interview ends and Tinchy is off to secure that iron.

The Guardian - Music

Will Nik ever secure that dream?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "secure that" when you want to emphasize making something safe, certain, or protected from potential risks or threats.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "secure that" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "make sure" or "ensure" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure that" functions as a connector introducing a dependent clause expressing a desired outcome or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize certainty or safety.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secure that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, functioning primarily to emphasize the need to make something safe, certain, or protected. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, its communicative purpose revolves around ensuring a desired result or state, often to mitigate potential risks. While versatile, it is particularly frequent in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, indicating a neutral register. For situations demanding a less formal tone, alternatives like "ensure that" or "make sure" can be more appropriate. To conclude, "secure that" remains a valuable asset in effective communication, provided its specific connotation is aligned with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure that

Focuses on guaranteeing a particular outcome or condition.

guarantee that

Implies a stronger level of certainty and commitment.

make certain that

Emphasizes the action taken to confirm or verify something.

assure that

Focuses on removing doubt or anxiety about something.

confirm that

Highlights the verification of a fact or statement.

verify that

Involves checking the accuracy or truth of something.

validate that

Emphasizes the establishment of something's legitimacy or correctness.

ascertain that

Suggests a careful and deliberate effort to find something out for certain.

establish that

Focuses on proving or demonstrating something to be true.

safeguard that

Emphasizes the protection and preservation of something important.

FAQs

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

You can use "secure that" to emphasize the need to make something safe or certain. For example, "We must secure that all data is backed up before the system update."

What are some alternatives to "secure that"?

Alternatives include "ensure that", "make certain that", or "guarantee that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "secure that" more formal than "ensure that"?

While both are relatively formal, "secure that" often carries a stronger connotation of safeguarding against potential threats or risks, while "ensure that" focuses on guaranteeing a specific outcome.

When should I use "secure that" instead of "make sure"?

Use "secure that" in situations where you want to convey a sense of protection or safeguarding, especially against potential negative consequences. "Make sure" is more general and suitable for everyday contexts.