to be secure

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be secure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a sense of safety or protection. For example, "I feel secure knowing I have medical insurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Everybody wants to be secure.

Independent

The technique therefore ceases to be secure.

The Economist

"You want to be secure.

The New York Times

I need to be secure".

The New Yorker

I wanted to be secure".

The New York Times - Sports

There are other ways to be secure.

The New York Times

Americans want our country to be secure.

The New York Times

You want him to be secure, confident and independent.

The New York Times

"I want the finances of the club to be secure.

Independent

The city seemed to be secure, although sniper fire continued.

The New York Times

Its businesses, even in Japan, face too much competition to be secure.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be secure", clarify what is being secured: a physical location, data, finances, or a feeling of emotional safety. Context is crucial for clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "to be secure" as a vague statement. Instead of saying, "We need to be secure," specify the area needing security improvements: "Our network needs "to be secure" against cyberattacks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be secure" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as a complement to a verb or adjective. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It indicates a state of being protected or free from danger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be secure" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive phrase signifying a state of being protected or safe. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English across diverse contexts. It frequently appears in news and media, scientific publications, and even wiki articles, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, specifying the subject or area needing security enhancements is crucial for clear communication. Related phrases include "to be safe" and "to be protected", which offer slightly different nuances. By considering these factors, writers can effectively incorporate "to be secure" into their work with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to feel safe

This focuses on the emotional aspect of security, emphasizing a feeling of safety.

to gain security

This phrase highlights the action of achieving a state of security, rather than the state itself.

to ensure safety

This alternative implies proactive measures taken to guarantee safety.

to establish stability

Focuses on creating a stable or consistent environment, rather than personal safety.

to become protected

This passive construction indicates that something is receiving protection from an external force.

to maintain safety

Suggests an ongoing effort to keep a safe environment or condition.

to find assurance

Emphasizes the act of discovering or obtaining a sense of certainty and confidence.

to achieve stability

Focuses on attaining a stable state, emphasizing the effort involved.

to guarantee protection

This phrase stresses the act of providing a guarantee of protection.

to feel confident

Shifts the focus to a feeling of self-assurance and certainty, rather than external safety.

FAQs

How can I use "to be secure" in a sentence?

You can use "to be secure" to express a desire for safety or stability, as in "We want "to be secure" in our homes" or "The data needs "to be secure" from unauthorized access."

What phrases are similar to "to be secure"?

Similar phrases include "to be safe", "to be protected", and "to be stable", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what needs to "to be secure"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what needs "to be secure" is often beneficial for clarity. For instance, instead of saying "The system needs "to be secure"", it's better to say "The system needs "to be secure" against data breaches".

How does "to be secure" differ from "to be safe"?

"To be safe" often implies freedom from immediate danger, while "to be secure" can refer to a more comprehensive and lasting state of protection, including financial or emotional stability as well as physical safety.