they secured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they secured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of obtaining or ensuring something, such as a position, agreement, or resource. Example: "After months of negotiations, they secured a lucrative contract with the new client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Police point out they secured two convictions.

Independent

They secured my bond with my family.

The Guardian - Opinion

Once they secured that permission, the investigation moved forward.

The New York Times

They secured two guards from the police chief for protection.

The New York Times

They secured 31 MSPs, including taking Glasgow's Eastwood from Labour.

The Guardian

They secured their three spots for Vancouver on Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

They secured an appearance from Coulter for April.

The Washington Post

They secured the coöperation of Peter Stone, who revised the "Sugar" script.

The New Yorker

The Russian troops were professional and thorough as they secured the perimeter of the base.

Independent

They had left nothing to chance, once they secured the dam.

The New Yorker

"They secured the area but were not engaged in the operation," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they secured", ensure that the context clearly indicates what was obtained or ensured. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "they secured" without specifying what was secured. Always provide the object or outcome that was attained to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they secured" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a group successfully obtained or ensured something. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they secured" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase to indicate the successful attainment or assurance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and general reporting. For clarity, always specify what was secured. Consider alternatives like "they obtained" or "they ensured" for nuanced meanings. By avoiding vague references and ensuring contextual clarity, you can effectively employ this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they obtained

Emphasizes the act of getting or acquiring something.

they acquired

Highlights the gaining of possession or control of something.

they ensured

Focuses on making certain that something happens or is the case.

they guaranteed

Implies a promise or assurance that something will happen.

they attained

Suggests achieving something after effort or difficulty.

they procured

Highlights the act of obtaining something, often with effort or care.

they clinched

Emphasizes securing something decisively or finally.

they finalized

Focuses on completing or making something definite.

they locked in

Suggests firmly establishing or guaranteeing something.

they nailed down

Implies settling or confirming something definitively.

FAQs

How can I use "they secured" in a sentence?

Use "they secured" when you want to express that a group successfully obtained or ensured something. For example, "They secured funding for the project".

What can I say instead of "they secured"?

You can use alternatives like "they obtained", "they acquired", or "they ensured" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they secured"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity based on numerous real-world examples.

What is the difference between "they secured" and "they attempted to secure"?

"They secured" indicates a successful outcome, while "they attempted to secure" implies an effort was made, but the success is not guaranteed.