was found loose

USAGE SUMMARY

"was found loose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was discovered to have come undone or to be free from containment. For example: "The lid to the jar was found loose, indicating that someone had opened it previously."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Post Office forwarded it with a C.O.D. bill for 10 cents and the following form letter: Dear Patron: The enclosure, without addressed wrapper, was found loose in the mails and therefore could not be delivered.

The New Yorker

MounThens and Skyscrapers Made from Maps and Books.

Vice

In the other nine studies, only one stem was found loose due to aseptic loosening [ 41].

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Notes were found loose in a box with CD-3800-3810.

Cornell University

About one-third of the materials were collected, arranged and indexed by Basset; the remainder were found loose in the files, and arranged chronologically.

Columbia University

Unlike most of the fossils we found in the quarry, which were still embedded in the surrounding rock, Barry's specimens were found loose on the surface.

The New York Times

A maintenance alert had been issued in August for the same model airplane after attachment bolts for the vertical stabilizer were found loose on a plane during a scheduled inspection.

The New York Times

Romeo had been found loose on the street in Rancho Palos Verdes in March by horse-keeper Doreen Paramore, who kept him in her corral while she tried unsuccessfully to find his owner by posting signs along the street and in local stores.

Los Angeles Times

Despite this high subsidence rate, only 5 out of the 56 subsided stems were found loose after a mean follow-up of 14 years, resulting in a failure rate of 0.3.

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

The prosecution's case rested in large part on Soering's recanted confession, and it noted that Soering's blood type, O, was found at Loose Chippings.

The New Yorker

Thus, none of the in total 7 regions tested was found to loose interaction when transcription was blocked.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was found loose", ensure the context clearly indicates what was found and the implications of it being loose. For example, "The bolt was found loose, indicating a potential safety hazard."

Common error

Avoid using "was found loose" without clarifying the consequence or significance of the finding. Simply stating that something was found loose without explaining why it matters can leave the reader confused or uninformed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was found loose" functions as a passive construction indicating the discovery of something not properly secured. Ludwig confirms the usability of this phrase. It highlights the state of being unattached or unrestrained upon discovery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was found loose" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to report the discovery of something unsecured. Ludwig indicates its validity and broad applicability. Its usage spans various contexts, including science, news, and academia, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what was found and the implications of its unsecured state. Alternative phrases include "was discovered unsecured" and "turned up slack". Overall, "was found loose" is a reliable and informative way to convey a specific finding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was discovered unsecured

Emphasizes the discovery of a lack of security.

was detected unfastened

Highlights the detection of something not fastened.

was located detached

Focuses on the location and the state of being detached.

was recovered disengaged

Suggests a recovery in a disengaged state.

turned up slack

Implies the finding of something with insufficient tension.

was noticed adrift

Indicates observation of something wandering.

was identified untethered

Highlights the identification of something free from ties.

was determined unanchored

Focuses on the determination of a lack of anchorage.

was unexpectedly free

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the finding.

became dislodged and was noticed

Adds the element of dislodgement before the discovery.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was found loose"?

You can use alternatives like "was discovered unsecured", "was detected unfastened", or "turned up slack" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something "was found loose"?

It typically means that an object or component was discovered to be not properly attached, secured, or tightened, potentially leading to instability, malfunction, or hazard.

Is it correct to say "was found loose"?

Yes, "was found loose" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It's a passive construction indicating a discovery of something unsecured.

In what contexts is "was found loose" commonly used?

"Was found loose" is commonly used in technical reports, news articles, and scientific papers to describe situations where a component or object is discovered to be not properly fastened. You may also find it in more informal contexts, such as a simple description.