tying

USAGE SUMMARY

'tying' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a verb to mean fastening something by using a rope, thread, or other material, or to mean the action of joining two or more things together. For example, "She carefully tied the bow with great skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Often the only source of emergency cash is loan sharks, increasingly big business in Kenya, with borrowers signing ambiguous photocopied contracts and tying themselves into interest rates of 50% or more.

The Guardian

In a cafe a short distance from Brick Lane's busy restaurants, Khan said she was being tarred with the same brush as Rahman, and that there was no evidence tying her to any claims of electoral fraud.

The Guardian

They're so well matched, in fact, that they're probably enacting a rom-com montage together as we speak; skipping through meadows, having pillow fights with sacks of money, tying women to trainlines and then twirling their moustaches and then high-fiving each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the education portfolio, the government has signalled it will avoid the biggest increases in school funding planned under the Gonski reforms by tying future Commonwealth contributions to the consumer price index.

The Guardian

Amid so much milling chaos, there's nil point in tying yourself to the mast.

The Guardian

A nearby store would do it for 47%, with park or pharmacy tying for third, says an article on Treehugger.

The Guardian

The international criminal court (ICC) in the Hague has previously said there was insufficient evidence tying Nigeria's military to systematic and orchestrated atrocities targeting civilians.

The Guardian

Back at the bridge, a feverish team of the old and young – a punk next to a bespectacled student – were tying together sandbags, building up a thick wall of them at the Schillergarten restaurant.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, tying the tax on the banks' bonus payments to the IMF/ECB rescue plan demonstrates that there is still some residual strategic thinking within the Fianna Fáil high command.

The Guardian

The New York Times published a report on Thursday tying the Clintons to a deal between the Russian atomic energy agency and a Canadian company named Uranium One.

The Guardian

Afterwards, Urbanowicz would return to his job in a shoe shop, tying laces for old ladies, marvelling at the contradictions.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tying" to clearly describe the action of fastening something physically or creating a connection between abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "tying" when a more precise verb like "linking", "connecting", or "associating" would better convey the relationship between ideas.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tying" is as a present participle, often used to form continuous verb tenses or as a gerund acting as a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as a verb form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Travel

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "tying" functions primarily as a verb, used to describe the act of connecting, fastening, or restricting. As Ludwig AI suggests, it’s grammatically sound and widely accepted in various contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent usage in News & Media, Travel, and Formal & Business settings. When writing, ensure "tying" accurately reflects the intended meaning, opting for more precise verbs like "linking" or "connecting" for abstract contexts. With a strong presence in reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist, "tying" remains a versatile and reliable term in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

binding

Focuses on the act of securing or obligating, often with legal or moral implications.

fastening

Emphasizes the physical act of attaching or securing something.

connecting

Highlights the creation of a link or relationship between two or more things.

linking

Suggests a more abstract connection, often used in informational contexts.

attaching

Similar to fastening, but can also imply emotional connection.

securing

Focuses on making something safe or firm, often against a threat.

restricting

Emphasizes the limiting or confining aspect of being tied.

obligating

Highlights the creation of a duty or requirement.

intertwining

Suggests a close and complex relationship, often difficult to separate.

correlating

Focuses on the statistical or logical association between two things.

FAQs

How is "tying" used in a sentence?

"Tying" is the present participle of the verb "tie", indicating an ongoing action of fastening or connecting. For example, "She is tying a knot" or "They are tying the results to the initial hypothesis".

What are some synonyms for "tying"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "binding", "fastening", "linking", or "connecting" instead of "tying".

Is it correct to say "tying up" instead of "tying"?

Yes, "tying up" is a phrasal verb that means to secure, restrain, or occupy someone or something. It's correct in contexts like "tying up loose ends" or "tying up resources".

What's the difference between "tying" and "linking"?

"Tying" often implies a physical connection or restraint, while "linking" usually refers to a more abstract association or relationship between ideas or concepts.