were secured with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were secured with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe how something was fastened, attached, or made safe using a particular method or material. Example: "The documents were secured with a sturdy binder to ensure they remained organized and intact."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The loans were secured with nothing.

The New York Times

The prison gates, he'd noticed, were secured with Yale locks.

The New Yorker

The papers were secured with support from Harvard's Hutchins Center for African & African American Research.

Harvard University

Many said that their buildings were secured, with cameras and doormen in place.

The New York Times

Half rushed off to the men's ward, where two wooden doors were secured with a lock and chain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Both the paracentesis incision and the anterior chamber maintainer paracentesis sites were secured with 10/0 nylon interrupted sutures.

Nature

He noted that Yahoo said most of its passwords were secured with one encryption protocol, while Peace's sample used a second.

The Guardian - Tech

Small beachheads were secured with difficulty, the troops at ANZAC being held up by Turkish reinforcements under the redoubtable Mustafa Kemal, who later became famous as Atatürk.

Britannica

When the sweep came to be made of iron, bits were given square shanks that fit into simple split chucks (holders) and were secured with a thumbscrew.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In July 1987, the funds to purchase a large consignment of weapons were secured with the robbery of more than £325,000 from a branch of Northern Bank in Portadown, 30 miles south-west of Belfast.

The Guardian

Rather than a resin-bound bolt, anti-tamper nut or casting them into the slab, they were secured with a basic anti-vibration nut that could be undone in seconds.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were secured with", ensure the 'with' clause specifies the tool, method, or material used for securing to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice. While "were secured with" is grammatically correct, active constructions like "they secured it with..." can often make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were secured with" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject received the action of being made safe or firmly attached through a specific means. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were secured with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction used to indicate that a subject has been made safe or firmly attached through specific means. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely acceptable and serves to clearly specify the method of securing something. Usage spans across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedic content, demonstrating its versatility and broad applicability. While correct, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider more direct active constructions where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were fastened with

Focuses specifically on the act of joining or attaching something using a fastener.

were attached with

Emphasizes the connection or joining of items, similar to fastening but can imply less permanence.

were reinforced with

Highlights the strengthening aspect of the method used, rather than just securing.

were fortified with

Implies an enhancement of protection or defense through the means used.

were made safe by

Shifts the focus to the outcome of ensuring safety using certain measures.

were protected by

Highlights the shielding or guarding function provided by the method.

were obtained through

Indicates that something was gained or achieved by using a particular means.

were guaranteed by

Emphasizes the assurance or certainty provided by the method.

were ensured by

Similar to guaranteed, but emphasizes the proactive steps taken to make something certain.

were acquired using

Focuses on the means by which something was obtained or gained.

FAQs

How can I use "were secured with" in a sentence?

Use "were secured with" to describe how items or places were made safe or firmly attached, for example: "The documents were secured with a lock and key".

What are some alternatives to "were secured with"?

Consider alternatives such as "were fastened with", "were attached with", or "were reinforced with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "were secured with"?

While "were secured with" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "They secured the area with barriers") can often make the sentence more direct and impactful.

What's the difference between "were secured with" and "were protected by"?

"Were secured with" emphasizes the method of fastening or making safe, while "were protected by" highlights the protective element provided by the method or item used. For example, 'The perimeter was secured with barbed wire' versus 'The city was protected by high walls'.