untied

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'untied' is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
It is the past tense and past participle form of the verb 'untie', which means to undo or loosen a knot or fastening. One can use 'untied' in a sentence to describe the act of undoing a knot or to indicate that something was formerly tied but is now free: - The knot was so tight that it took me a few minutes to untie it. - She quickly untied her shoelaces and slipped out of her shoes. - The dog ran away as soon as the leash was untied. - I untied the package and opened it to reveal the gift inside. One can also use 'untied' as an adjective to describe something that is not tied or secured: - The untied boats were tossed around in the stormy waters. - His untied hair fell in soft curls around his face. - The untied curtains blew gently in the breeze. In summary, 'untied' can be used in written English in various contexts related to the act of untying or to describe something that is no longer tied or secured.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From the mood-lit plumes of cigarette smoke emerges our server - a woman - wearing one of those "open," untied, unbuttoned robes Hadi was talking about, hair flowing out from underneath a rag that looks like it could slide off her head at any moment.

The Guardian

Unless this knot is untied, the European Union's hopes of playing a bigger role in its own defence will be dashed.Greece's role in defence matters in the Union is pivotal at the moment because of a quirk of EU procedure.

The Economist

Recent talk of giving recipients a bigger stake in making a success of aid projects letting them "own" them, in the jargon is meaningless unless aid is untied.

The Economist

Rent-setting is not always transparent, rent reductions can bring added burdens and wholesale beer prices are higher than those untied publicans pay brewers.

The Economist

In 2002, 43% of official aid was untied.

The Economist

First, many OECD members are using instruments not covered by the arrangement, such as floating-rate loans linked to Libor, and "untied" development aid that implicitly, but not explicitly, pays for the donor country's exports, as is common with Japan's lending.The China syndromeThe second factor is the surge in lending by countries outside the OECD, above all China.

The Economist

Unfortunately, they do not agree that technical and food aid should also be untied.

The Economist

In 2007 11.9 married couples per thousand untied the knot, down from 12.2 the year before and the lowest since 1981.

The Economist

Unless these institutional knots can be untied, the EU may have to try to struggle on as a Union of 20 or 25 members, crippled by a constitution designed for six, or else delay enlargement.And then there is money.

The Economist

Their shoes are untied and their trousers hang down; their laces and belts are in a plastic bag.

The Economist

It received its name from the custom of playing practical jokes on this day for example, telling friends that their shoelaces are untied or sending them on so-called fools' errands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "untied" as an adjective, ensure the context clearly indicates that the item was previously tied. For example, "untied shoelaces" is clear, but "untied aid" requires understanding that the aid was previously tied to conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "untied" in abstract contexts where a more appropriate term like "unrelated" or "disconnected" would be more precise. For instance, saying "untied to the project" might be unclear when "unrelated to the project" better conveys the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "untied" is as a past participle or adjective. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes the state of something that was previously tied and is now loose or the action of undoing a knot. Ludwig provides numerous examples that clarify its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Unknown

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "untied" is a versatile term that functions as both an adjective and a verb, denoting the state of being unbound or the action of undoing a knot. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Ludwig examples show it appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, especially in abstract contexts, it's wise to consider alternatives like "unrelated" or "disconnected" when precision is key. By understanding its grammatical function and appropriate contexts, you can effectively employ "untied" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unknotted

Specifically refers to the action of undoing a knot, a direct synonym in certain contexts.

unfastened

Focuses on the action of undoing a fastening, similar to "untied".

made loose

Describes the act of making something less tight or bound, similar to "untied".

loosened

Emphasizes the state of being less tight, akin to the result of something "untied".

unsecured

Focuses on the lack of security or fastening, akin to something that is "untied".

unbound

Highlights the state of being free from restrictions or constraints, similar to something that has been "untied".

disconnected

Indicates a lack of connection or attachment, relevant when "untied" refers to abstract concepts.

detached

Implies a separation or disconnection, mirroring the state of being "untied".

set free

Emphasizes the action of releasing something, often from a binding, resembling the act of "untied".

released

Highlights the act of liberating or freeing something, comparable to the result of something being "untied".

FAQs

How can I use "untied" in a sentence?

You can use "untied" to describe something that was previously bound but is now loose, as in "The package was delivered untied" or to describe the action of undoing a knot, for example: "He "untied" the rope from the post".

What is a synonym for "untied"?

Alternatives to "untied" include "unfastened", "loosened", or "unbound" depending on the specific context in which you are using the word.

When should I use "untied" versus "unrelated"?

"Untied" is best used when something physically tied has been undone. "Unrelated" is appropriate when describing a lack of connection or association between abstract concepts or items.

Is it correct to say "the knot is untied" or "the knot was untied"?

Both phrases are correct. "The knot is untied" describes the current state, while "The knot was untied" describes a past action.