Cool MateFasten vs Lock it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Fasten
Top 3,000 (common)B1verb
Lock it
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Lock it
| Fasten | Lock it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈfɑːsn/","/ˈfɑːsnz/","/ˈfɑːsnd/","/ˈfɑːsnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfæsn/","/ˈfæsnz/","/ˈfæsnd/","/ˈfæsnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɒk ɪt//🇺🇸 //lɑk ɪt// |
| Meaning | To make something secure or tight. | To secure something by closing it. |
| Example | Please fasten your seatbelt before the flight. | Make sure to lock it before you leave the house. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | firmly, properly, securely, to, firmly, properly, securely, to, firmly, properly, securely, to, firmly, properly, securely, to | lock it up, lock it down, lock it securely |
| Antonyms | loosen, unfasten | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'fasten' with 'loosen'., Using 'fasten' without an object, e.g., saying 'I need to fasten.' instead of 'I need to fasten my seatbelt.', Mixing up 'fasten' with other similar verbs like 'attach' or 'secure'. | Confuse with 'unlock it', which means to open something., Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'lock' without specifying what is locked. |
| Usage notes | Use 'fasten' when you want to describe securing something, like a seatbelt or a button. It's appropriate in most contexts. | Use 'lock it' when referring to securing doors, cabinets, or devices. Suitable for most contexts. Avoid slang situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Fasten vs Lock it
What's the difference between Fasten and Lock it?
Fasten: To make something secure or tight. Lock it: To secure something by closing it.
Which is more common: Fasten and Lock it?
Lock it is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Fasten: Please fasten your seatbelt before the flight. Lock it: Make sure to lock it before you leave the house.
Can I use Fasten and Lock it interchangeably?
Not always. Fasten and Lock it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.