securing them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "securing them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of making something safe or ensuring its protection. Example: "The team is focused on securing them to prevent any potential breaches in security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Previously trade was the chosen means of securing them, while investment remained paltry.

The New York Times

They hitch their robes up around their waists securing them there with cords.

The New Yorker

So a crucial question is whether EMU will improve or set back the prospects for securing them.

The Economist

The Syrians seemed to be consolidating the weapons into fewer locations, presumably a way of securing them.

The New York Times

The soft silicone ear buds have hooks for securing them in the ear and are comfortable for long wearing periods.

The Guardian - Tech

"The second stage is purging the areas, securing them, bringing back displaced families and providing them with services.

The New York Times

Teams of students were pushing metal barriers into intersections, arranging them in a lattice pattern and securing them with plastic ties.

The New Yorker

But he says that the buzzword in PFI arrangements is now "partnership strengthening"—a euphemism for securing them against political interference.

The Economist

Eventually, he hauls the offending floral into the backyard and builds a couch out of his old books, securing them with clear packing tape.

The New York Times

Again, waggle it to make the hole slightly bigger than the nail. 5. Join the outer holes to the middle hole, securing them with the nail.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the last general election, in 2011, the two ruling parties together won 50.3% of the vote, securing them a stable majority government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "securing them", ensure the context clearly defines what "them" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by being specific about the objects, people, or concepts being secured.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is doing the securing. Instead of "They are focused on securing them", specify the actor: "The team is focused on securing them."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "securing them" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the action of making something safe or guaranteeing its protection, as Ludwig illustrates in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "securing them" is a versatile and frequently used gerund phrase that signifies the action of making something safe, protected, or guaranteed. Ludwig's analysis shows that it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news articles, wikis, and scientific documents. While alternatives like "protecting them" or "ensuring their safety" exist, "securing them" provides a direct and clear way to convey the concept of safeguarding. Remember to be specific about what "them" refers to and avoid overuse in the passive voice to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making them secure

Directly states the act of establishing a safe state.

protecting them

Focuses on defense and shielding from harm.

ensuring their safety

Highlights the guarantee of well-being and freedom from danger.

safeguarding them

Implies a proactive approach to preventing any potential threat or risk.

guaranteeing their possession

Emphasizes the act of ensuring continued ownership or control.

shielding them

Concentrates on creating a barrier against external elements or forces.

assuring their preservation

Stresses the maintenance of something in its original state.

preserving them

Focuses on maintaining something's condition over time.

locking them down

Suggests a rigorous approach to restrict access or prevent escape.

fortifying their position

Implies strengthening or reinforcing a specific location or status.

FAQs

How can I use "securing them" in a sentence?

You can use "securing them" to describe the act of making something safe or ensuring its protection. For example, "The company is investing in new technologies for "securing them" against cyber threats".

What are some alternatives to "securing them"?

You can use alternatives like "protecting them", "ensuring their safety", or "safeguarding them" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "securing them" or "to secure them"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "Securing them" functions as a gerund phrase (noun), while "to secure them" is an infinitive phrase (often acting as an adverb or adjective). Choose the form that fits the grammatical structure of your sentence.

What does "guaranteeing their possession" mean compared to "securing them"?

"Securing them" generally means making something safe or protected, while "guaranteeing their possession" specifically emphasizes ensuring continued ownership or control.