secure to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to ensuring that something is firmly attached or guaranteed to a particular place or condition. Example: "We need to secure the equipment to the truck before we leave the site."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It doesn't make me feel more secure to have more people around, more security.

The New York Times

I don't feel secure, to put it mildly.

The Guardian - Books

Maritime area operations will resume when it is safe and secure to do so".

The New York Times

But by 2006, he felt sufficiently secure to declare that socialism was the only way forward.

The Guardian

These 30-inch-tall pinwheels have plastic propellers, which secure to wooden stakes.

The New York Times

"He would go from insecure to secure to insecure to secure.

The New York Times - Sports

Morrissey manages paradoxically to appear secure, to bare his soul without ever seeming needy or inadequate.

The Guardian - Books

"It will make us less secure to proceed in a unilateral way," he said.

The New York Times

We have been too secure to really see these paintings before.

The New York Times - Style

The company says that it wouldn't be secure to use the fingerprint sensor in any other way.

Independent

The deal also underscored the complex network of rights that Internet sites must secure to sell songs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "secure to" to clearly indicate how components should be firmly attached to prevent instability or failure. For instance, "Secure the bracket to the wall using heavy-duty screws."

Common error

Avoid using "assure to" when you mean "secure to". "Assure" means to promise or guarantee, while "secure" means to firmly attach or protect. Therefore, say "secure the ladder to the roof", not "assure the ladder to the roof".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure to" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of making something firmly attached or protected. It is commonly used in instructions or descriptions where stability or safety is a concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

32%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secure to" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of firmly attaching or protecting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It is frequently found in instructions and descriptions, with a neutral register that adapts to both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives like "fasten to" or "attach to" exist, "secure to" clearly conveys the intended meaning of ensuring a firm connection or safeguarding something. Its prevalence across News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources highlights its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fasten to

Emphasizes the physical act of joining or attaching something, often with a mechanical fastener.

attach to

A more general term for joining something, without necessarily implying a strong bond.

affix to

Implies a more permanent or deliberate attachment.

ensure for

Shifts the focus to guaranteeing a certain outcome or condition for someone or something.

guarantee to

Focuses on providing a formal assurance or warranty.

make safe for

Highlights the act of protecting something from harm.

bond to

Suggests a strong, often chemical, connection.

anchor to

Implies a firm and stable attachment, preventing movement.

tie to

Indicates attachment using a rope, string, or similar material.

connect to

A broad term for establishing a link or relationship.

FAQs

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

Use "secure to" when you want to describe the action of firmly attaching or fastening something. For example, "Make sure to secure the wires to the terminals".

What is an alternative way to say "secure to"?

You can use alternatives like "fasten to", "attach to", or "affix to" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "ensure to" instead of "secure to"?

No, "ensure to" is not typically used in the same way as "secure to". "Ensure" implies making certain something happens, while "secure" implies fastening or protecting. Use "secure to" when indicating attachment or protection, and "ensure that" when expressing certainty.

What's the difference between "secure to" and "safe to"?

"Secure to" describes the action of fastening or attaching something firmly. "Safe to" describes a state of being free from danger or risk. For example, "secure the painting to the wall" versus "it is safe to proceed".