secured the key

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secured the key" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has obtained or gained access to a key, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "After hours of searching, she finally secured the key to unlock the mystery of the ancient treasure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Forces from France and Chad have reportedly secured the key city of Kidal in northern Mali.

The Guardian

The power-sharing arrangement with Labor in the "government of national unity" was reflected in the distribution of cabinet posts; Labor's Shimon Peres and Benjamin Ben-Eliezer secured the key foreign and defense portfolios, respectively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The article laid out even more extensively the evidence that Chinese espionage had secured the key design elements of an American warhead called the W-88 while showing at the same time that this secret material was available not only at Los Alamos but "to hundreds and perhaps thousands of individuals scattered throughout the nation's arms complex".

The New York Times

Parliament secured the key priorities set out in its negotiating mandate.

European Parliament

I believe that we have secured the key point: whenever a genetically modified organism is present in a food, this must be indicated on the label.

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

His lobbying work on mass surveillance is believed to have helped him secure the key role at the government's new Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office (IPCO).

The Guardian

Here are three ways to secure the key business advantages of multinational teams, based on my experience as the CTO of a global co-employment company.

Forbes

It took another 8 months to secure the key to the actual "boathouse", but in my mind, this was a huge step towards starting Row New York.

Huffington Post

The intervention was developed in recognition of the limited evidence, the importance of a theoretical foundation and its implementation, and the need to support peer leaders in securing the key element of the intervention.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

Examples of taping include securing the key under the barbecue grill, inside the gutter downspout, and behind/underneath a part of a deck.

WikiHow

Make each hole slightly larger than the nail that will be used to secure the key to the frame, because the key must have room to move when it is struck, or it will not resonate very much.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "secured the key", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the "key" represents, whether it's a literal key, a piece of information, or a strategic advantage. Clarity is essential for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "secured the key" in situations where the metaphor is too abstract or unclear. Overusing metaphors can confuse your audience, so ensure the connection between the literal and figurative meaning is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secured the key" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of obtaining or making safe something crucial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage across varied contexts, from military operations to business negotiations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "secured the key" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates the successful acquisition or protection of something vital. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable and appears in diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific publications. While not overly common, its frequency is consistent enough to be recognized and understood. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for formal and business communications. Related phrases include "obtained the key" and "gained access to the key", providing alternative ways to express the same core concept. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what the "key" represents to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtained the key

Replaces "secured" with a more straightforward synonym, focusing on the act of getting the key.

gained access to the key

Emphasizes the resulting access rather than the action of securing.

obtained possession of the key

Highlights the act of gaining ownership or control of the key.

ensured access to the key

Shifts focus to guaranteeing access rather than the act of securing.

guaranteed access to the key

Similar to 'ensured access', but with a stronger connotation of certainty.

locked down the key

Implies a more forceful securing, preventing others from accessing it.

protected the key

Focuses on safeguarding the key from potential threats.

acquired the password

Uses a more modern term synonymous to key, useful for software contexts.

attained the crucial element

Generalizes the phrase, replacing "key" with a broader term for an important component.

achieved the crucial aspect

Shifts the focus to accomplishing a vital element in a given situation.

FAQs

How can I use "secured the key" in a sentence?

You can use "secured the key" to indicate that someone has obtained something essential for success or access. For example: "After intense negotiations, the company secured the key contract." or "The detective finally secured the key piece of evidence that solved the case."

What can I say instead of "secured the key"?

You can use alternatives like "obtained the key", "gained access to the key", or "attained the crucial element" depending on the context.

Is "secured the key" formal or informal?

"Secured the key" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for business, news, and academic contexts. It's less common in very informal conversations.

What's the difference between "secured the key" and "found the key"?

"Secured the key" implies an effort or process to obtain the key, while "found the key" suggests a more accidental or serendipitous discovery. Securing usually involves action, while finding implies chance.