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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
tied firmly
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"tied firmly" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is securely fastened or bound. Example: The package was tied firmly with a sturdy rope. Alternative expressions include "secured tightly" and "bound securely."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
Such maladies are tied firmly to race and poverty.
News & Media
I was tied firmly, and another man came with a sword in his hand.
News & Media
Since the collapse last month of Mayflower, a British bus-building company, many of its 3,400 workers are facing big holes in pensions supposedly tied firmly to their final salaries.
News & Media
"On a day when the leaves and hearts are dry," we are told, it's time to blanch them: "Wrap cardoons with 'collars' of newspaper, corrugated cardboard, brown wrapping paper or black polyethylene tied firmly around the stems.... Alternatively cardoons can be earthed up.
News & Media
One milliliter of SLN dispersion was loaded in the dialysis tube, and the dialysis tube tied firmly at both ends was immersed in 50 mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (pH 3.5 and 7.4).
Science
The high-strength suture tension band was passed through a hole in the ulna approximately 4 cm distal to the osteotomy, passed over the cancellous screw and under the triceps tendon in a figure of eight, and then tied firmly.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
Line a deep bowl with cheesecloth or muslin, spoon in the yoghurt, then draw together the edges into a tight bundle and tie firmly with string.
News & Media
But on a Sunday night in January, tie firmly in place, Mr. Begley fed a table of eight a groaning platter of bigos, the sauerkraut stew that many consider the national dish of Poland.
News & Media
Tie firmly with a strong knot and end with a nice bow for a prettier touch.
Wiki
Thread some yarn into the hat and tie firmly in a loop for hanging.
Wiki
Thread either wire or twine through the eye and tie firmly.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a physical connection or bond, use "tied firmly" to emphasize the strength and security of that connection. For instance: "The boat was "tied firmly" to the dock, ensuring it wouldn't drift away."
Common error
Avoid using "tied firmly" in overly abstract contexts where a more nuanced word choice might be appropriate. Instead of saying 'His success was "tied firmly" to luck', consider using a phrase like 'His success depended heavily on luck'.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "tied firmly" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing how something is secured or connected. As seen in Ludwig, it emphasizes the strength and stability of the connection.
Frequent in
News & Media
31%
Wiki
25%
Science
19%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
13%
Formal & Business
6%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "tied firmly" functions as an adverbial phrase emphasizing the strength and security of a connection. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. While versatile, writers should be mindful of avoiding overuse in abstract contexts, where more nuanced vocabulary might be preferable. Alternatives such as "securely fastened" or "tightly bound" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The phrase conveys reliability and stability, making it a useful addition to any writer's toolbox.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
securely fastened
Focuses on the act of fastening something in a way that it won't come loose; emphasizes the result of being fixed in place.
tightly bound
Highlights the act of binding something closely to restrict movement and ensures no slippage.
strongly attached
Emphasizes the strength of the attachment, suggesting a robust connection.
well-secured
Indicates that something is secured using the appropriate method, with an emphasis on care and attention in the securing process.
firmly affixed
Implies a more permanent or solid attachment, potentially using adhesive or mechanical means.
resolutely secured
Adds a sense of determination or decisiveness to the act of securing something.
immovably fixed
Highlights the resistance to movement, suggesting that the object is rigidly in place.
sturdily anchored
Emphasizes the robust and reliable nature of the anchoring, ensuring long-lasting stability.
closely connected
Focuses on the proximity and nature of the connection.
dependably fastened
Emphasizes the reliability of the fastening, suggesting it can be trusted not to fail.
FAQs
How can I use "tied firmly" in a sentence?
You can use "tied firmly" to describe something that is securely fastened or connected. For example: "The rope was "tied firmly" to the post."
What are some synonyms for "tied firmly"?
Some synonyms for "tied firmly" include "securely fastened", "tightly bound", or "strongly attached" depending on the context.
Is it better to say "tied firmly" or "tied securely"?
Both "tied firmly" and "tied securely" are correct, but "tied firmly" emphasizes strength and stability, while "tied securely" focuses on the reliability of the fastening. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Can "tied firmly" be used in metaphorical contexts?
Yes, but sparingly. While often used for physical connections, "tied firmly" can also describe strong metaphorical connections. For example: "Their fates were "tied firmly" together by their shared history."
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested