was bolted down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was bolted down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been secured or fastened in place, often to prevent movement or theft. Example: "The heavy machinery was bolted down to ensure it wouldn't shift during operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was bolted down.

The New York Times

I mean, thank goodness the Liberty Bell was bolted down or they would have sold that, too".

The New York Times

The overall effect is to push up the real growth of total public expenditure in 2000-01 from the 5% expected in the budget to almost 7%.It is not just last year that public spending was bolted down.

The Economist

The newly replaced Colonel Sanders statue in the Dōtonbori KFC branch was bolted down to prevent a repeat of the incident.

Wikipedia

"Homeless Jesus" was bolted down in February, beside a bronze plaque with the familiar words from Matthew 25:40 — "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Supper must be bolted down before the ice cream, wrapped in newspaper, melts.

The Guardian

But his conversation is bolted down by riveting insights into a damaged sport that could only come from an insider.

The Guardian - Sport

Each metal pole had to be bolted down, rewired and timed before the Wednesday morning rush hour.

The New York Times

Seats were still being bolted down and whatever pyrotechnics the Nets intend to unleash are being saved for the team's regular season opener, against the Knicks.

The New Yorker

This time last year six of the eight were bolted down and, unless you are from Ulster or Munster, things are coming to the boil quite nicely.

The Guardian - Sport

The floodwater had risen 10 feet inside the museum, so the objects inside cases that were bolted to the floor were floating in a mix of mud and water, but the objects in cases that hadn't been bolted down had been lifted up and smashed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was bolted down" to emphasize the physical act of securing something, particularly when bolts are the method of fastening. For broader security, consider "was secured".

Common error

Avoid using "was bolted down" metaphorically when a more appropriate term like "was established" or "was confirmed" would be clearer. The phrase works best for physical security.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was bolted down" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an object received the action of being secured with bolts. It describes a state of being firmly attached and is supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was bolted down" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the physical securement of an object with bolts. While Ludwig identifies its usage as relatively rare, the contexts provided showcase its applicability across news, technical writing, and general descriptions. It serves to emphasize stability and prevent unwanted movement. Using synonyms like "was secured" or "was fastened" can broaden its application, but "was bolted down" is most effective when the bolting action itself is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was fastened securely

Emphasizes the security of the fastening, focusing on the outcome.

was fixed in place

Highlights the immobility achieved by the fastening, suitable for technical contexts.

was anchored firmly

Suggests a strong and stable connection, often used for physical objects needing stability.

was secured tightly

Focuses on the tightness of the fastening, implying a strong hold.

was affixed strongly

Emphasizes the act of attaching something with considerable force or adhesive.

was mounted rigidly

Implies a stiff and unyielding attachment, common in engineering or construction.

was attached permanently

Indicates a long-lasting or irreversible connection.

was installed securely

Focuses on the proper installation process ensuring security.

was held steadfast

Conveys a sense of unwavering stability and resistance to movement.

was made immovable

Highlights the result of the fastening, emphasizing the inability to move.

FAQs

How can I use "was bolted down" in a sentence?

Use "was bolted down" to describe something physically secured with bolts, such as "The statue "was bolted down" to prevent theft".

What's a good alternative to "was bolted down"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "was secured", "was fastened", or "was fixed in place".

Is "was bolted down" formal or informal?

"Was bolted down" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's most common when discussing physical objects and security.

What does it mean when something "was bolted down"?

It means the object was firmly attached and secured using bolts, making it difficult to move or remove.