to feel secure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to feel secure" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when you want to convey the meaning of feeling supported, safe, or confident about something. For example, "The feeling of being secure in our relationship enabled us to be more open with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is especially important for parents with feelings of exposure and anxiety to feel secure and accepted.

BMC Nursing

It was hard to feel secure".

Independent

"You need an education to feel secure".

The New York Times - Sports

I want them to feel secure".

The Guardian

And you want them to feel secure.

The New York Times

'It's nice to feel secure,' she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Only the rich and powerful were made to feel secure.

The Economist

It's likely it was hiding in there to feel secure".

Independent

You are entitled to feel secure in your home.

The New York Times - Magazine

For now, most refugees appear to feel secure in Germany.

Independent

I just want to feel secure;I'm probably dead on.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with prepositions like "in" (to feel secure in one's job) or "about" (to feel secure about the future) to specify the domain of safety.

Common error

Writers sometimes mistakenly use the adverb "securely" after the linking verb "feel". You should say "to feel secure" rather than "to feel securely", as "feel" here describes the state of the subject, not the manner of the feeling.

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "to feel secure" is an infinitive phrase where "feel" acts as a linking verb followed by the predicate adjective "secure". According to Ludwig, it functions to describe a subject's internal state of being rather than a physical action. Unlike transitive verbs, it does not take a direct object but rather a complement that defines the subject's condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Analysis from Ludwig confirms that "to feel secure" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase. It is predominantly used in News & Media and Science to describe deep-seated psychological or situational safety. Whether discussing child development in medical journals or financial markets in The Economist, the phrase remains a standard for expressing stability. It is often preferred over "<a href="/s/to+feel+safe" target="_blank" rel="alternative">to feel safe" when the context involves emotional or structural confidence rather than just immediate physical protection. Writers should feel confident using this phrase in almost any context, provided they maintain the adjective form "secure" rather than the adverbial "securely" after the verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to feel safe

Emphasizes a lack of physical or immediate danger.

to feel protected

Focuses on the presence of an external force or person providing safety.

to feel assured

Relates to a feeling of certainty or confidence in a promise.

to feel confident

Focuses more on self-assurance and belief in one's abilities or situation.

to feel comfortable

A softer alternative that implies a lack of anxiety or pressure.

to feel stable

Emphasizes the long-term consistency and reliability of a situation.

to feel at ease

An idiomatic expression focusing on the absence of worry or stress.

to feel certain

Shifts the focus to the cognitive state of knowing what will happen.

to feel invulnerable

A much stronger term implying that no harm can possibly occur.

to feel steady

Describes a sense of emotional or situational balance.

FAQs

How do I use "to feel secure" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a state of mind, such as "Every child needs <a href="/s/to+feel+secure" target="_blank" rel="alternative">to feel secure in their home environment".

What is the difference between "to feel secure" and "to feel safe"?

While often interchangeable, "<a href="/s/to+feel+safe" target="_blank" rel="alternative">to feel safe" usually refers to physical protection from harm, whereas "to feel secure" often encompasses emotional, financial, or long-term stability.

Can I say "to feel assured" instead?

Yes, you can use "<a href="/s/to+feel+assured" target="_blank" rel="alternative">to feel assured" if you are referring specifically to a sense of certainty or confidence based on a guarantee.

Is "to feel secure" formal enough for academic writing?

Absolutely. Examples from Ludwig show it is frequently used in Science and Academic contexts, particularly in psychology and social sciences.