to be secured

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be secured" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that needs to be established or maintained, especially from danger or harm. For example: The room needs to be secured before we can leave.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Criminal evidence had to be secured.

The New Yorker

Those towns need to be secured.

The New York Times

Application Server needs to be secured and secured well.

Special Ops Host and Network Security for Microsoft, UNIX, and Oracle

There were caches of weapons that needed to be secured.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But it has to be secured in a proper fashion".

The New Yorker

The car has to be secured in the container.

The New York Times

European Union merger clearance will also have to be secured.

The Guardian - Sport

Obviously, their consent would have to be secured.

The Guardian - Opinion

The economy needs to be secured for the long term.

The Guardian

When they summoned him down, something had to be secured.

The New York Times

Permits and funding will need to be secured.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be secured" in technical writing, ensure that you clearly define what is being secured and against what potential threats or risks. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be secured" in overly casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound stilted or overly formal. Opt for more natural alternatives like "to be safe" or "to be kept safe" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be secured" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used in passive constructions. It indicates a need for something to undergo an action that ensures its safety, stability, or attainment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be secured" is a versatile infinitive phrase indicating the necessity of protection, stability, or attainment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While leaning towards a neutral to formal register, it is important to be wary of overuse in overly informal conversations. Consider related phrases such as ""to be protected"" or ""to be ensured"" to refine your message and ensure clarity. Paying attention to context and target audience will help you use "to be secured" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be protected

This alternative emphasizes safeguarding from harm or damage, focusing on defense and preservation.

to be ensured

This shifts the focus to guaranteeing a specific outcome or state, emphasizing certainty and reliability.

to be guaranteed

Similar to 'to be ensured', but suggests a formal promise or assurance is in place.

to be safeguarded

This implies a proactive approach to protecting something valuable or vulnerable.

to be shielded

Suggests covering or defending something from external threats or negative influences.

to be locked down

This alternative implies a more restrictive or forceful method of securing, often in response to an immediate threat.

to be attained

Focuses on achieving a goal or reaching a desired state, rather than protection from harm.

to be obtained

Implies acquiring or gaining possession of something, often through effort or action.

to be acquired

Similar to 'to be obtained', but may suggest a more formal or systematic process of gaining something.

to be finalized

This focuses on completing or concluding a process, differing from the protective sense of "to be secured".

FAQs

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

You can use "to be secured" to indicate something needs protection or assurance. For example, "The perimeter needs to be secured" or "Funding needs to be secured for the project."

What are some alternatives to "to be secured"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to be protected", "to be ensured", or "to be guaranteed".

Is "to be secured" formal or informal?

"To be secured" leans towards the formal side, but it's versatile enough for neutral contexts. Consider your audience and purpose to decide if it's the right fit.

When is it most appropriate to use "to be secured"?

It is most appropriate when discussing safety measures, financial arrangements, or situations requiring a guarantee of stability or protection. For example, "The building plans need "to be approved" and the site needs "to be secured" before construction can begin."