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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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secured to be

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secured to be" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a state of being guaranteed or ensured, but the construction is awkward and unclear. Example: "The funds are secured to be available for the project next year." (This is an awkward construction and would be better phrased.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The concrete slab floors were secured to be able to withstand intense shaking.

News & Media

The New York Times

Still, the group considers the meeting they have secured to be a victory in a struggle that has gained prominence in recent weeks in Toronto.

News & Media

Vice

To clarify the temporal intervals, SRH in t + 1 year was secured to be ahead of predictors in the preceding t year (a lag time of 1 year).

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I've often compared being financially secure to being physically in shape -- fiscally fit and physically fit.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Bookshelves that weren't secured to the wall were fodder for the most terrifying nightmares.

News & Media

Huffington Post

The foot was secured to the footplate that was connected to the servomotor.

Science

Aging

The front wraps around to be secured to the back.

Sutures are secured to the lateral/caudal ULC, pass over the dorsal septum, and are secured to the contralateral ULC.

Her high notes were not always secure enough to be sustained, but they were there.

How secure remains to be seen, of course.

News & Media

TechCrunch

The curls are secured to the central frame with screws.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for clearer and more common alternatives like "guaranteed to be" or "ensured to be" to improve readability and avoid awkward phrasing. While "secured to be" isn't inherently wrong, it's not the most natural or widely accepted construction.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "secured to be" in formal writing. It can sound unnatural and may confuse readers. Instead, choose stronger and more direct alternatives to convey your intended meaning.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secured to be" functions as part of a verb phrase, attempting to express a state of certainty or guarantee. However, according to Ludwig, its use is uncommon and often considered grammatically awkward. Better alternatives exist to convey the same meaning with greater clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33.33%

Science

66.67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "secured to be" isn't technically incorrect, it's considered an awkward and uncommon phrasing in modern English. Ludwig's analysis of various sources reveals that it attempts to convey a sense of certainty or guarantee, but does so less effectively than alternatives like "guaranteed to be" or "ensured to be". The phrase appears infrequently in both news and scientific contexts. Therefore, it's generally advisable to avoid using "secured to be" in formal or professional writing to maintain clarity and avoid potentially confusing readers.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "secured to be"?

Instead of "secured to be", consider using alternatives like "guaranteed to be", "ensured to be", or "made certain to be" for improved clarity.

Is "secured to be" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "secured to be" is considered an awkward and uncommon phrasing. It's often better to use alternatives that are more widely accepted and easier to understand.

How can I improve my sentence using "secured to be"?

Rephrase the sentence using stronger verbs. For example, instead of "The funding is secured to be available", say "The funding is guaranteed to be available" or "We have ensured the funding will be available."

When is it appropriate to use "secured to be"?

Due to its awkwardness, it's generally best to avoid using "secured to be" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more straightforward alternatives in most contexts.

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Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: