tie

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tie" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to a situation where two or more parties have the same score or outcome, often in games or competitions. Example: "The game ended in a tie, with both teams scoring three goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Fashion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Palace's players had arrived at the Amex for the second leg of the semi-final to find the tension in the tie had clearly already had an explosive effect.

The Guardian - Sport

Cruz sought to tie Obama's record overseas to the likely Democratic nominee, who was seldom mentioned in the day's speeches.

The Guardian

Arsenal did win the second leg of the last-16 tie 2-0 in Munich but it was not enough to prevent the away-goals exit.

The Guardian - Sport

Of all the sitcoms in all the world, David Cameron had to tie his manifesto to The Good Life.

The Guardian

They are still confident, however, of turning the tie around in the return leg in Spain.

The Guardian - Sport

Back to full strength, though, they had little trouble in their play-off against Turkey – a 7-3 win set up a last-eight tie against Yugoslavia.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Kvitova led 4-1 in the tie-break but after being pegged back to 4-4 she took the first set on her second set point, and a break in the opening game of the second set put her on her way.

The Guardian - Sport

All very sixth-form experimental – tie-dye in the bath is only a matter of time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There could have been huge benefits to Europe in such convergence, but the process was deliberately sabotaged by US intelligence agencies, working from the hypothesis that a tie-up between the EU and a democratic Russia would pose a major threat to American long-term economic interests.

The Guardian

Related: Nigel Farage's new friend in Europe: 'When women say no, they don't always mean it' "There are two of us who are anti-regime candidates, me and my friend Mr Kukiz," Korwin-Mikke, a bow-tie wearing MEP, said in his spartan office in central Warsaw, and compared himself to US libertarian Ron Paul.

The Guardian

It suggests what it would be like to attend a black-tie soirée and discover everyone else in sweats.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, be mindful of the different meanings of "tie". Use context to ensure clarity. For example, "tie" can refer to a necktie, a bond, or an equal score.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying which meaning of "tie" you intend. Instead of simply saying "there was a tie", clarify with "the game ended in a tie" or "they are bound by family ties".

Linguistic Context

The word "tie" functions primarily as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it denotes a physical object (necktie), a connection, or an equal score in a competition. As a verb, it signifies fastening or achieving an equal score. Ludwig examples show varied usage across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Sports

13%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Business

2%

Music

1%

Tech

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "tie" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, functioning as both a noun and a verb. It commonly refers to a necktie, a connection, or an equal score in a competition. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media, sports, and fashion contexts. When using "tie", ensure clarity by specifying the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify if you mean a "neck tie", "family tie", or a ""tie game"". While synonyms like "connect" or "bind" exist, "tie" maintains its relevance across various contexts, from formal reports to casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Connect

Focuses on the action of joining things together, differing from "tie" which can also imply a result or state of being joined.

Bind

Emphasizes a strong, often physical, connection, while "tie" can be more general.

Fasten

Highlights the act of securing something, differing from the broader range of meanings of "tie".

Attach

Focuses on linking one item to another, while "tie" can imply a more intricate or complex connection.

Link

Suggests a connection that can be abstract or informational, unlike the physical connotation "tie" often carries.

Unite

Implies bringing things together into a cohesive whole, while "tie" can simply mean to connect.

Join

Emphasizes the act of becoming part of something, whereas "tie" highlights the connection itself.

Equate

Highlights the act of making something equal or comparable, while "tie" can simply mean to connect.

Obligate

Highlights the act of binding someone morally or legally to something, while "tie" can simply mean to connect.

Affiliate

Highlights the act of closely associating with something, while "tie" can simply mean to connect.

FAQs

How can I use "tie" in a sentence?

The word "tie" can function as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it can refer to a necktie, a connection, or an equal score. As a verb, it means to fasten or to achieve the same score as another. Example: "He wore a "silk tie" to the event", "Family ties are important", or "The teams tied the score".

What's the difference between "tie" and "draw" in sports?

In sports, "tie" and "draw" are often interchangeable to describe a game that ends with both sides having the same score. Some sports may use one term more commonly than the other, but their basic meaning is the same. For example, you can say the game ended in a "tie game" or a "draw game".

What are some synonyms for "tie" when referring to a connection?

When "tie" refers to a connection or bond, you can use synonyms like "bond", "link", "connection", or "relationship". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "tie up" instead of "tie"?

Yes, "tie up" is a phrasal verb that means to secure something with a rope or cord, or to finish or complete something. Example: "He had to tie up some loose ends before leaving".