Are you confused about whether to use “secure” or “secured” in your writing? This article will help you understand the difference between the two and when to use each one.
It’s important to note that both “secure” and “secured” are proper words in the English language. However, they have different meanings and uses.
“Secure” is an adjective that means safe, protected, or free from danger. For example, you might say that a password-protected website is secure, or that a house with an alarm system is secure.
“Secured,” on the other hand, is the past tense of the verb “secure.” It means that something has been made safe or protected. For example, you might say that a loan has been secured by collateral, or that a door has been secured with a lock.
Now that we’ve established the difference between these two words, let’s dive deeper into when you should use each one.
Define Secure
Secure refers to a state of safety, protection, and freedom from danger or harm. In the context of digital security, it means that information or data is protected from unauthorized access, theft, or damage.
Secure can also refer to a feeling of confidence and peace of mind that comes with knowing that something is protected or well-protected. For example, a person can feel secure in their job if they have a stable income, good benefits, and a supportive work environment.
When it comes to physical security, secure can refer to a building, room, or area that is protected from unauthorized entry or access. This can be achieved through the use of locks, security systems, and surveillance cameras.
Define Secured
Secured refers to something that has been made secure or protected. It can also refer to the act of securing or protecting something.
In the context of digital security, secured can refer to a website or application that has been made secure through the use of encryption, firewalls, and other security measures. For example, a website that uses HTTPS protocol is considered secured because it encrypts data that is sent between the user’s browser and the website’s server.
Secured can also refer to a loan or credit that is backed by collateral. For example, a secured loan may require the borrower to put up their car or home as collateral in case they are unable to repay the loan.
In the context of physical security, secured can refer to a building, room, or area that has been made secure through the use of locks, security systems, and other measures. For example, a secured facility may require employees to use keycards or biometric scanners to gain access to certain areas.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Proper usage of words can make a huge difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “secure” and “secured” in a sentence.
How To Use “Secure” In A Sentence
The word “secure” is an adjective that means protected from harm, danger, or loss. It can also be used as a verb to mean to make something safe or protected. Here are some examples of how to use “secure” in a sentence:
- She felt secure in her new job.
- The lock on the door was not secure.
- We need to secure the area before the storm hits.
- The company has implemented new measures to secure its data.
As you can see from these examples, “secure” is used to describe a state of safety or protection. It can refer to physical objects like locks or areas, or to more abstract concepts like jobs or data.
How To Use “Secured” In A Sentence
The word “secured” is the past tense of the verb “secure.” It means that something has been made safe or protected in the past. Here are some examples of how to use “secured” in a sentence:
- He secured the door before leaving the house.
- The company has secured a new contract with a major client.
- She secured her seatbelt before the plane took off.
- The funds were secured through a loan from the bank.
As you can see from these examples, “secured” is used to describe an action that has already taken place to make something safe or protected. It can refer to physical objects like doors or seatbelts, or to more abstract concepts like contracts or funds.
More Examples Of Secure & Secured Used In Sentences
When it comes to using the words secure and secured in a sentence, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between the two. Here are some examples of how both words can be used correctly in a sentence.
Examples Of Using “Secure” In A Sentence
- Our company’s website is secure and uses the latest encryption technology.
- I feel more secure knowing that there are security cameras in the parking lot.
- The government has taken measures to secure the border and prevent illegal immigration.
- It’s important to secure your personal information online by using strong passwords.
- The company’s financial future is more secure now that they’ve diversified their investments.
- After the break-in, we decided to install a more secure lock on our front door.
- The security guard made sure that the building was secure before leaving for the night.
- By investing in a home security system, we were able to secure our property and protect our family.
- The bank’s vault is one of the most secure places in the city.
- We need to secure funding for the project before we can move forward.
Examples Of Using “Secured” In A Sentence
- The loan was secured by the borrower’s property.
- He secured the bike to the rack with a heavy-duty lock.
- The company secured a contract with a major client, boosting their revenue.
- She secured a spot in the prestigious art school after submitting her portfolio.
- The team secured their place in the playoffs with a win in the final game of the season.
- He secured the window shutters to protect the house from the storm.
- The company secured a patent for their innovative new product.
- She secured a job at the law firm after passing the bar exam.
- The landlord secured a tenant for the vacant apartment within a week.
- The military secured the area after reports of suspicious activity.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the terms “secure” and “secured,” many people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two terms have different meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Secured” As An Adjective
One common mistake is using “secured” as an adjective to describe something that is safe or protected. For example, saying “my password is secured” instead of “my password is secure.” The word “secured” is actually the past tense of the verb “secure,” which means to make something safe or protected. Therefore, using “secured” as an adjective is grammatically incorrect.
Using “Secure” As A Verb
Another mistake is using “secure” as a verb to mean “make something safe or protected.” For example, saying “I need to secure my computer” instead of “I need to make my computer secure.” While “secure” can be used as a verb, it means to make something safe or protected, not to simply protect it. Therefore, using “secure” as a verb in this context is incorrect.
Confusing “Secure” With “Safe”
Many people also confuse the terms “secure” and “safe.” While they are similar in meaning, “secure” refers to protection against intentional harm, such as hacking or theft, while “safe” refers to protection against accidental harm, such as fire or flooding. Therefore, using “secure” to describe something that is protected against accidental harm is incorrect.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
- Always use “secure” as an adjective to describe something that is safe or protected, and use “secured” only as the past tense of the verb “secure.”
- Use “secure” as a verb only to mean “make something safe or protected,” not to simply protect it.
- Remember that “secure” refers to protection against intentional harm, while “safe” refers to protection against accidental harm.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are using the terms “secure” and “secured” correctly and effectively in your writing and communication.
Context Matters
When it comes to using the words “secure” and “secured,” context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. While both words may seem interchangeable, they have different implications depending on the context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a closer look at some different contexts in which the choice between “secure” and “secured” might change:
Financial Transactions
- In the context of financial transactions, “secured” is often used to refer to loans or credit that are backed by collateral. For example, a secured loan may require the borrower to put up their car or home as collateral to secure the loan.
- On the other hand, “secure” may be used to refer to the safety and protection of financial information and transactions. For example, a website may advertise that they use secure encryption technology to protect their customers’ financial information.
Physical Security
- In the context of physical security, “secured” may be used to refer to a locked door or window that has been made secure to prevent unauthorized access. For example, a building may have a secured entrance that requires a key card or code to enter.
- Alternatively, “secure” may be used to refer to the overall safety and protection of a building or area. For example, a security guard may patrol the premises to ensure that the area is secure.
Computer and Data Security
- In the context of computer and data security, “secured” may be used to refer to a network or database that has been protected with security measures such as firewalls or encryption. For example, a company may use secured servers to protect their sensitive data.
- Similarly, “secure” may be used to refer to the overall safety and protection of computer systems and data. For example, a company may have a secure IT infrastructure that is protected against cyber attacks.
As you can see, the choice between “secure” and “secured” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of these words, you can ensure that you are using the correct term to convey your intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “secure” and “secured” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Legal Terminology
In legal terminology, “secured” is often used to refer to property that has been pledged as collateral for a loan. In this context, “secure” would not be an appropriate alternative. For example:
| Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage |
|---|---|
| The loan is secured by the borrower’s house. | The loan is secure by the borrower’s house. |
2. Technical Jargon
In some technical fields, “secure” and “secured” might have specific meanings that differ from their general usage. For example, in computer security, “secure” might refer to a system that is protected against unauthorized access, while “secured” might refer to a system that has already been breached but is now under control. In these cases, it’s important to use the correct terminology for the specific field. Here are some examples:
- The website uses SSL to provide a secure connection between the user’s browser and the server.
- The hacker was able to breach the system, but the IT department quickly secured the network and prevented any data loss.
3. Regional Differences
In some regions, there might be differences in how “secure” and “secured” are used. For example, in British English, “secure” is often used in place of “secured” as the past tense of “secure”. However, this usage is not as common in American English. Here are some examples:
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| The police have secured the area. | The police have secured the area. |
| The door was secured with a padlock. | The door was secured with a padlock. |
| The company has secured a new contract. | The company has secured a new contract. |
Overall, while the rules for using “secure” and “secured” are generally straightforward, it’s important to be aware of any exceptions where the rules might not apply. By understanding these exceptions, you can ensure that you’re using the correct terminology in any context.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between secure and secured, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (secure or secured) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:
- The locksmith ________ the door to ensure it couldn’t be opened without a key.
- She felt ________ in her new job because it offered good benefits and a stable income.
- The bank ________ the loan with collateral in the form of a house.
- He ________ his bike to the rack before going into the store.
Answer Key:
- secured
- secure
- secured
- secured
Exercise 2: Sentence Completion
Complete each sentence below with the correct form of secure or secured:
- After the break-in, the homeowner decided to ________ the house with an alarm system.
- The company ________ the contract with a signature and a handshake.
- She felt ________ when she saw the lock on the door.
- The password-protected website ________ users’ personal information.
Answer Key:
- secure
- secured
- secure
- secures
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of secure and secured in different contexts. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and the tense of the verb when choosing the correct word.
Conclusion
After examining the nuances between “secure” and “secured”, it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. “Secure” is an adjective that describes something that is safe, protected, or free from danger. On the other hand, “secured” is a verb that refers to the act of making something safe or protected.
It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and miscommunication. Using “secure” when you mean “secured” can lead to misunderstandings and potentially dangerous situations.
Key Takeaways
- “Secure” is an adjective that describes something that is safe, protected, or free from danger.
- “Secured” is a verb that refers to the act of making something safe or protected.
- Using these words incorrectly can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
Remember to always double-check your language use and grammar to ensure clear and effective communication.
Continue to learn about grammar and language use to improve your writing and communication skills.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.