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Phrasal verbs "fasten down" vs "tie down"

Differences between fasten down and tie down

Fasten down and tie down both mean to secure something firmly in place, but fasten down is usually used for securing objects with screws, bolts, or other hardware, while tie down is used for securing objects with ropes, straps, or cords.

Meanings and Definitions: fasten down vs tie down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Fasten down

  • 1Tie something so that it doesn't move.

    We FASTENED it DOWN to keep the wind from blowing it away.

Tie down

  • 1Secure something to prevent it moving.

    They TIED him DOWN to stop him escaping.

  • 2Remove or restrict freedom.

    Marriage TIES you DOWN.

  • 3Stop people ( often police or military ) going where they are needed.

    The army were TIED DOWN with the rebellion and couldn't help.

Usage Examples: fasten down, tie down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

fasten down

Example

Before the storm, we fastened down the outdoor furniture.

Example

He fastens down the tarp to protect the wood from rain.

tie down

Example

Make sure to tie down the luggage on the roof of the car.

Example

He ties down the tarp to protect the equipment from the rain.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fasten down

secure with screws

To attach or fix an object firmly in place using screws or other hardware.

Example

He needed to secure the shelf with screws to prevent it from falling.

bolt down

To fasten or anchor an object securely using bolts or other hardware.

Example

The table was wobbly, so he decided to bolt it down to the floor.

anchor in place

To secure or stabilize an object by attaching it to a fixed point or surface.

Example

The tent was about to fly away, so they had to anchor it in place with heavy rocks.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tie down

strap down

To secure or fasten an object using straps or belts.

Example

They had to strap down the furniture in the truck before driving it to the new house.

lash down

To tie or bind an object firmly using ropes or cords.

Example

The cargo was unstable, so they had to lash it down to prevent it from shifting during transport.

secure with bungee cords

To fasten or hold an object in place using elastic cords with hooks.

Example

He had to secure the luggage with bungee cords to fit it all in the trunk of his car.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “fasten”

Phrasal Verbs with “tie”

Differences in fasten down vs tie down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: fasten down or tie down?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but tie down is more frequently used than fasten down. This is because tying down objects is a more common task than fastening them down with hardware.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fasten down and tie down

Both fasten down and tie down are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, fasten down may be considered slightly more formal than tie down because it implies the use of hardware and tools.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of fasten down and tie down

The tone of fasten down and tie down can differ based on context. Fasten down often carries a more serious or urgent tone when referring to securing objects for safety reasons, while tie down typically has a more relaxed and practical tone, especially when referring to securing objects for transportation or storage.

fasten down & tie down: Synonyms and Antonyms

Fasten down

Synonyms

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