secure the contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure the contract" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of obtaining or finalizing a contract, often in a business or legal context. Example: "Our main goal this quarter is to secure the contract with the new client to ensure steady revenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

La Presse, a Montreal newspaper, reported last month that SNC-Lavalin may have made $22 million in illegal payments to secure the contract.

The New York Times

A French whistle-blower has claimed that the consortium that built the plant, including KBR, paid $180m to Nigerian officials to secure the contract.

The Guardian

This procedure would secure the contract for a firm that was not involved in the bidding process and, of course, opens a series of ethical questions.

The New York Times

A consultant moving from Bain to McKinsey may use inside knowledge to secure a client that both are wooing; he may even put in longer hours to secure the contract.

The Economist

In both the criminal and civil cases, the individuals were charged with having paid bribes beginning in 1996 to secure the contract and, later, to overcome the Argentine government's suspension of the project in 2001.

The New York Times

He also denied a decision before he was a councillor not to extend a time limit he needed to secure the contract made him decide to run in the election.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The company fought hard to secure the contracts that were once viewed as plum rewards but now have evolved into headaches and at times, a public relations nightmare.

The New York Times

Essential financial support for constructing the Petrobras oil platform known as P-52 came from UKEF while UKTI representatives based in Brazil assisted, enabling companies including Rolls Royce to secure the contracts.

The Guardian

His losses to Ellet showed him that he needed to promote himself and gain backers to effectively secure the contracts he desired.

Wikipedia

However, concerns that a security company rather than a social housing association had secured the contract prompted warnings that the firm would be ill-equipped to handle it.

The Guardian - Business

In December, Wrightbus secured the contract.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience, consider using "obtain the contract" as it is less colloquial and more universally understood than "land the contract".

Common error

Avoid using "secure the contract" in highly informal settings or when a more nuanced verb might be appropriate. For example, in creative writing, a more descriptive verb might better convey the character's actions or emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure the contract" functions as a verb phrase, where "secure" acts as a transitive verb and "the contract" is the direct object. It signifies the action of successfully obtaining or finalizing a formal agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

22%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "secure the contract" is a grammatically correct and widely understood expression used to describe the successful attainment of an agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While more frequent in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it maintains relevance across Science and Formal & Business settings. Alternatives like "win the contract" or "obtain the contract" offer subtle variations in emphasis. When using the phrase, consider your audience and context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

win the contract

Replaces "secure" with "win", focusing on the competitive aspect of obtaining the contract.

obtain the contract

Uses a more formal synonym for "secure", maintaining the core meaning.

land the contract

Employs a more colloquial term "land", suggesting a successful acquisition.

close the deal

Shifts focus to the finalization of the agreement, implying the completion of all necessary steps.

seal the agreement

Highlights the act of formally confirming the contract.

procure the contract

Uses a more formal and technical term, often used in procurement contexts.

finalize the contract

Emphasizes the completion and formalization of the contract.

acquire the contract

Indicates the gaining possession of the contract through effort or competition.

negotiate the contract

Focuses on the process leading to the contract, rather than the final acquisition.

be awarded the contract

Highlights the act of being officially granted the contract, often after a bidding process.

FAQs

What does "secure the contract" mean?

The phrase "secure the contract" means to successfully obtain or finalize a formal agreement, often through effort, negotiation, or competitive bidding.

What are some alternatives to "secure the contract"?

You can use alternatives like "win the contract", "obtain the contract", or "land the contract" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "secured the contract"?

Yes, "secured the contract" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct when referring to an action that has already been completed.

How does "secure the contract" differ from "negotiate the contract"?

"Negotiate the contract" refers to the discussions and bargaining process involved in reaching an agreement, while "secure the contract" implies the successful completion of that process and the formalization of the agreement. See also: "negotiate the contract".