unlock

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unlock" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the action of unlocking a door or a device, or to refer to the act of freeing or releasing something. For example: "I used the key to unlock the door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will the country defy the doomsayers and unlock the €7.2bn in held-up bailout funds it so desperately requires?

The Guardian

We have a mandate for a sustainable solution within the eurozone Yannis Dragasakis Athens is in a race against the clock to unlock €7.2bn (£5.3bn) in rescue loans the EU and IMF have refused to disburse until the government delivers a convincing package of reforms.

The Guardian

Greece's recently elected leftwing-led government has so far failed to present a package of reforms to the IMF and its eurozone partners that those creditors deem serious enough to unlock the remaining bailout funds.

The Guardian

Led by author Tim Lott, this 24-week masterclass will help you find your voice and unlock your potential as a writer.

The Guardian

Even my one-year-old is already aware of what an iPad is and how to unlock it.

The Guardian - Tech

The key sends a signal to the car with a unique identifier and a command to either lock or unlock the car.

The Guardian - Tech

By engaging collaborative "teams" of consumers in creative problem-solving processes, you allow participants to "think with their hands" and unlock insight often left untouched by traditional methodologies.

The Guardian

Crunch talks between Greece and its eurozone creditors are under way, but investors are growing increasingly sceptical that the country can reach an agreement on reforms and unlock the aid it needs from international lenders to avoid a debt default.

The Guardian - Business

One of the depot workers, Alun Thomas, said Craig managed to get a key from a female employee and unlock one of the cages.

The Guardian

Berlin has made clear that Athens will have to provide a detailed list of reforms if it is to unlock €7.2bn (£5.1bn) worth of rescue funds to avert default on debt payments in May.

The Guardian

Today, having struck out at Labour's legacy, he entered the enemy's territory, promising to unlock investment for growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unlock" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being freed or revealed. For example, "unlocking potential" needs a clear understanding of the potential being referenced.

Common error

While "unlock" is versatile, overuse in formal contexts can make writing sound repetitive. Consider using more precise synonyms like "enable", "facilitate", or "activate" to add nuance and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unlock" is as a transitive verb. It typically requires a direct object, indicating what is being opened or freed. Ludwig shows examples where "unlock" is used to describe both physical actions, such as unlocking a door, and metaphorical actions, like unlocking potential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unlock" is a versatile verb used to describe the action of opening a physical lock, gaining access, or metaphorically revealing or freeing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources, but also appears frequently in Formal & Business and Science contexts. When using "unlock", it's important to consider the specific nuance you want to convey and to ensure clarity, especially when used metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gain access to

Emphasizes obtaining entry or availability, similar to unlocking a system.

Open

Focuses on the physical act of opening something, similar to unlocking.

Make accessible

Highlights the act of enabling access, similar to unlocking opportunities.

Reveal

Highlights the act of making something known or visible, similar to unlocking a secret.

Release

Focuses on freeing something from constraint, similar to unlocking potential.

Unleash

Implies releasing a powerful force or ability, similar to unlocking potential.

Unseal

Emphasizes the removal of a seal, whether physical or metaphorical.

Activate

Emphasizes the act of making something operational or functional, like unlocking a feature.

Free up

Focuses on making something available for use, similar to unlocking resources.

Decipher

Implies solving a code or mystery to reveal information, akin to unlocking knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "unlock" in a sentence?

You can use "unlock" to describe the action of opening a lock, like "I used the key to unlock the door." You can also use it metaphorically, as in "Education can unlock opportunities."

What can I say instead of "unlock"?

You can use alternatives like "open", "release", or "reveal" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "unlock" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to use "unlock" in a metaphorical sense to describe revealing or freeing something. For example, "This research could unlock the secrets of the universe."

Which is correct, "unlock potential" or "unlock the potential"?

Both are correct, but "unlock the potential" is more common because it specifies a particular potential. "Unlock potential" is more general and implies unlocking any potential.