tightens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tightens" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of making something more secure or firm, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "As the deadline approached, the pressure on the team tightens, pushing them to work harder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The screw tightens on benefits, while a ratchet of bankrupt hospitals and rushed closures will stir local protests.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the squeeze tightens, the creation of new public funding avenues for film seems unlikely in the next few years.

The Guardian

The initial phase looks at better managing the distribution of student housing within the private sector through a "social lettings agency", while the second tightens the licensing regulations of houses in multiple occupation (HMO).

The Guardian - Money

The Merchants of Doubt shows that while deep-rooted political ideologies usually underpin this bottleneck, disinformation tightens it, fueling scientifically unfounded debate, doubt, and denial that conveniently excuse political intransigence.

The Guardian - Opinion

His voice tightens and he blinks.

The Guardian

Eventually, supply tightens enough to raise rents and prices, touching off another boom.

The Economist

The noose tightens Snap and snarl Slo-where?

The Economist

The army tightens its grip The butt of angry Islamists Bloodier than ever Dead or alive Out of reach ReprintsIn the early hours of the morning of August 21st, residents reported shelling and rocket attacks on Eastern Ghouta, a swathe of disaffected suburbs to the east of the capital, Damascus.

The Economist

But the debate is revealing how delicate that coalition is, and how long and hard a fight it faces.The bill tightens border security, increases the number of visas available to both skilled and unskilled workers and provides a long and testing "path to citizenship" for illegal immigrants already in the country.

The Economist

From time to time, ENA's grip tightens.

The Economist

Perhaps the best hope is that, as the noose tightens, Mr Hussein will save himself by letting the inspectors return.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tightens", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being made more firm or secure. For example, "The government tightens regulations" is clearer than "Regulations tighten."

Common error

Avoid using "tightens" when a broader concept like "improves" or "strengthens" is more appropriate. "Tightens" implies a specific action of making something more firm, secure, or restricted, not simply making it better.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tightens" is as a verb in the third-person singular present tense. It describes an action performed by a subject, indicating that something is becoming more firm, secure, or restricted. Ludwig shows it frequently used to describe policies, regulations, or market conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tightens" functions as a verb describing the action of making something more firm, secure, or restricted. It is grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's essential to use "tightens" when the specific action of making something firmer or more controlled is intended, rather than a general improvement. Remember that "tightens" typically conveys an action that enforces something, rather than simply enhancing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes stricter

Focuses on increased enforcement or adherence to rules and regulations.

is drawn tighter

Describes the physical action of pulling something to make it more taut.

grows more intense

Emphasizes the increase in strength or severity of something, often an emotional or physical state.

becomes more controlled

Emphasizes increasing command or authority over something.

becomes more constrained

Highlights the limitation or restriction imposed on something or someone.

becomes firmer

Indicates a change in physical state towards being more solid or stable.

is made more secure

Focuses on enhancing safety or protection.

is reinforced

Implies that something is strengthened or supported to prevent weakening.

is made more rigid

Suggests a loss of flexibility or adaptability.

becomes more compact

Highlights reduction in size or space.

FAQs

How can I use "tightens" in a sentence?

"Tightens" can be used to describe making something more firm, secure, or restricted. For example, "The company "tightens its security protocols"" or "As demand increases, the market "tightens its grip"."

What can I say instead of "tightens"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "becomes stricter", "grows more intense", or "becomes more controlled".

Is it correct to say "the noose tightens"?

Yes, "the noose tightens" is an idiomatic expression meaning that someone is increasingly trapped or facing inescapable consequences. This phrase is commonly used in literature and news media to convey a sense of impending doom or pressure.

What is the difference between "tightens" and "toughens"?

"Tightens" generally refers to making something more firm, secure, or restricted. "Toughens", on the other hand, implies making something more resilient or durable. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, "tightens security" implies making security more firm, while "toughens security" suggests making it more resistant to breaches.