tie up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tie up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of using a string or rope to secure or bind something together, figuratively or literally. For example, you could say, "I need to tie up these loose ends before I can start working on the next project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

They can tie up investors' money.

The New York Times

This would tie up with that".

The Guardian

You really can tie up anywhere.

The New York Times - Travel

Worse, cumbersome court procedures there tie up sailors onshore.

The Economist

But Yang still had one loose end to tie up.

The New York Times - Magazine

He'd tie up a bundle and mail it to them.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The tie-up has worked.

The Economist

It also announced a technology tie-up with Microsoft.

The Economist

Tells about the Christmas tie-up with Gimbels.

The New Yorker

Minney acknowledges the tie-up with Topshop was controversial.

Independent

Ms Zille called the tie-up "a mistake".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tie up" in a business context to mean 'allocate resources', ensure it's clear that the resources are temporarily unavailable for other uses. For example, "This project will tie up a significant portion of our budget for the next quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "tie up" in formal writing when a more precise verb like 'secure', 'complete', or 'allocate' would be clearer. Overusing phrasal verbs can make your writing seem less professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "tie up" functions as a transitive verb, requiring an object. It describes the action of physically binding something or figuratively completing or obstructing something. Ludwig indicates its correct and versatile usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "tie up" is a versatile expression with both literal and figurative meanings. Grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig, it commonly appears in diverse contexts such as Wiki and News & Media. Its usage ranges from describing physical actions of securing something to representing the completion of tasks or the allocation of resources. While generally neutral in register, context dictates the level of formality. To enhance clarity, consider more precise verbs like 'secure', 'complete', or 'allocate' in formal settings. Remember to consider context to select the correct meaning for "tie up". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's valid and useful in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secure

Focuses on the act of making something safe or firm, which is a component of "tie up".

bind

Implies a more restrictive form of fastening, similar to one aspect of "tie up".

fasten

A general term for attaching or connecting, encompassing the basic action of "tie up".

moor

Specifically refers to securing a vessel, which is a contextual use of "tie up".

berth

Similar to moor, but emphasizes providing a place for a ship to dock and be secured.

complete

Highlights the aspect of finishing or resolving something, a figurative sense of "tie up".

finish

Similar to complete, emphasizing the conclusion of a task, analogous to "tie up" when used figuratively.

resolve

Focuses on settling or making a decision, another figurative use related to "tie up".

detain

Emphasizes holding someone or something, reflecting the sense of "tie up" as keeping busy or delaying.

occupy

Highlights filling time or space, which is one aspect of "tie up" when referring to keeping someone busy.

FAQs

How can I use "tie up" in a sentence?

You can use "tie up" in various contexts. For example, "The robbers tied up the bank employees" (literal meaning) or "I need to tie up some loose ends at work" (figurative meaning).

What does "tie up" mean when referring to business?

In a business context, "tie up" often means to allocate or commit resources, such as funds or personnel, to a particular project or activity, making them unavailable for other uses temporarily. It can also mean to finalize or conclude a deal or agreement. For example: "These investments "tie up" significant capital for an extended period".

Which is correct, "tie up" or "tied up"?

"Tie up" is the base form of the phrasal verb. "Tied up" is the past tense and past participle. Use "tie up" for present or future actions, and "tied up" for completed actions. For example, "I need to "tie up" these documents" versus "I was "tied up" in a meeting all morning".

What are some synonyms for "tie up" when it means 'to complete'?

When "tie up" means 'to complete', you can use synonyms such as "finish", "conclude", "finalize", or "wrap up" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.