tied back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tied back" can be used as part of a sentence in written English, and it is a common idiom.
It means to pull something back, usually referring to hair or curtains, and secure it in place with a tie or band. Here are some examples: 1. She tied back her hair before going for a run. 2. I always tie back the curtains in the morning to let in the sunlight. 3. The doctor told me to tie back my hair before the surgery. 4. The curtains were tied back, revealing a beautiful view of the ocean. 5. He tied back his long hair with a leather band to keep it out of his face.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hair tied back.

The Guardian - Film

The crewmen tied back the window sash.

The New Yorker

Those can be tied back very precisely to an individual.

The New York Times

Her hair was tied back, and she wore no makeup.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her hair has almost always been tied back.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When I had my hair tied back all the time.

The Guardian - Music

With her hair tied back, Zineb leads a demonstration.

The New Yorker

She tied back her hair and put on her glasses.

The New Yorker

Her wet hair was tied back, the purple ribbon holding a gold medal around her neck.

The New York Times - Sports

His hair was tied back in a ponytail but cut to the school-required collar length.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her long blond hair was tied back in a ponytail, and she played with it nervously.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing hairstyles, use "tied back" to clearly indicate the hair is secured away from the face or neck for practical or aesthetic reasons.

Common error

Avoid using "tied back" in contexts where a stronger term like "linked", "attributed", or "traced" would be more precise. "Tied back" is best reserved for physical actions of securing something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tied back" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often in the past tense, describing the action of securing something (like hair or curtains) in a rearward position. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts. It also serves as a past participle used adjectivally.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tied back" is a versatile verb phrase, predominantly used in the past tense, to describe the act of securing something in a rearward position. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically sound and frequently found in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While primarily used for physical actions, it can also metaphorically imply connections. It's essential to use stronger terms like "linked" or "traced" for abstract associations. When describing hairstyles or securing curtains, "tied back" serves as a clear and effective way to convey the action. Its neutral register ensures its appropriateness across various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pulled back

Focuses more on the action of pulling, less on the fastening aspect.

secured back

Emphasizes the act of securing, which might involve more than just tying.

drawn back

Implies a more gentle or gradual action of moving something rearward.

fastened back

Highlights the fastening aspect of the action, applicable to various objects, not just hair.

linked back

Shifts the focus to connections and associations, rather than physical restraint.

traced back

Used when referring to origins or causes, a metaphorical "tying" to a source.

associated back

Similar to 'linked back' but emphasizes association.

connected back

Focuses on establishing a connection or relationship to a prior state or condition.

related back

Indicates a relationship or connection, often in an explanatory context.

attributed back

Implies assigning a quality or result back to a cause or origin.

FAQs

How can I use "tied back" in a sentence?

"Tied back" describes the action of securing something, typically hair or curtains, in a rearward position. For example, "She "tied back" her hair before cooking" or "The curtains were "tied back" to let in the morning light".

What can I say instead of "tied back"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pulled back", "secured back", or "drawn back".

Is it correct to use "tied back" to describe a connection between ideas?

While "tied back" primarily refers to physical actions, you can use it metaphorically to suggest a direct connection. However, phrases like "linked back" or "traced back" are often more appropriate for abstract connections.

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

"Tie back" is the infinitive form of the verb, used in present tense or to indicate an action. "Tied back" is the past tense and past participle, used to describe an action that has already occurred or is being used as an adjective.