abreast

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'abreast' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people or things that are side by side, especially in comparison or alignment. For example: "The two teams are running abreast of one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to the piece, papers were often read aloud in rural houses in Ireland to family groups, usually by priests or schoolteachers, thus enabling "the illiterate to keep abreast of current affairs".

The Guardian

Our brains try desperately to keep abreast of them, but chronically fail – not surprisingly, since the number of items we can hold in working memory, it's been argued, may be somewhere around seven.

The Guardian - Opinion

We were kept abreast on progress and our surroundings with short, informative lectures from the expedition leaders, who were always tolerant of an inadvertently lolling head.

The Guardian - Travel

In fact, there is now more places to read than ever before, but it can be tough to find the time and energy to stay abreast of developments at work, keep up with the news and read novels for pleasure.

The Guardian

A Downing Street source said Number 10 was "kept abreast of the operation " to detain David Miranda, but denied any political involvement in the decision, adding: "The Government does not direct police investigations".

The Guardian

In Europe and elsewhere, wonks have been hard-pushed to keep abreast with the changing potential risks around fundamental rights to privacy that arise from increasing surveillance.

The Guardian

While the players were plotting their approach to the Belgium match, where they were adamant that they would be more solid, a local radio ham regularly visited the team hotel to keep them abreast of developments back home.

The Guardian - Sport

This one was delayed for more than two years as the Vatican's thinkers struggled to keep abreast of developments in the world economy.

The Economist

Technology made it easier to move money around the world but both finance firms and workers chose to stick close to hubs to stay abreast of trade practices, to be near business-services firms, and to find the best job matches.

The Economist

"I fought a war for people in Europe to have the vote and we won!" he says, adding that technology makes it easier than ever to participate in and keep abreast of British politics from afar.

The Economist

Most last about seven weeks, but they can be even shorter.Seven-Eleven says it can keep abreast of these partly by keeping an eye on the weather.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abreast" to indicate staying informed about developments or trends in a specific field. For example, "It's important to stay abreast of the latest research in your area of expertise."

Common error

Avoid using "abreast" when simply indicating general knowledge. "Abreast" implies a continuous effort to remain updated with new information, not just possessing static knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abreast" functions primarily as an adverb or adjective, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate a state of being informed or side-by-side. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "abreast" is a versatile adjective and adverb used to describe being informed and up-to-date, particularly in professional and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that "abreast" is usable in written English. It is often followed by "of" and denotes a proactive effort to stay current with developments. While phrases like "up to date" or "informed" can serve as alternatives, "abreast" carries a nuanced implication of continuous monitoring. To avoid misuse, remember that "abreast" implies actively tracking new information rather than just possessing general knowledge. By staying "abreast", you position yourself to be knowledgeable and current.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

up to date

This alternative focuses on currency of information, emphasizing being current with the latest developments.

abreast of the times

This variation places more emphasis on staying current with the trends and changes of the present era.

well-informed

This alternative is a more emphatic version of "informed", stressing the thoroughness of one's knowledge.

informed

This alternative highlights the state of having knowledge about something, often implying a broader understanding.

knowledgeable

This alternative emphasizes a deeper understanding and expertise in a particular subject.

familiar with

This alternative suggests a close acquaintance with a topic or subject, implying a level of comfort and understanding.

au courant

A more formal alternative implying awareness of current affairs and trends.

au fait

Similar to "au courant", this emphasizes familiarity and understanding of a specific situation or subject.

side by side

This alternative emphasizes the physical alignment or parallel nature of two or more entities.

alongside

Similar to "side by side", this alternative highlights the adjacency or proximity of items.

FAQs

How can I use "abreast" in a sentence?

You can use "abreast" to indicate staying informed or up-to-date with something. For example, "She reads industry publications to stay "abreast of" new trends."

What does it mean to keep "abreast" of something?

To keep "abreast" of something means to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments or changes in a particular field or area.

Which is correct: "abreast of" or "abreast with"?

"Abreast of" is the more commonly used and generally preferred preposition. While "abreast with" is sometimes used, ""abreast of"" is more idiomatic.

What can I say instead of "keep abreast of"?

You can use alternatives like "stay informed", "keep up with", or "remain updated" depending on the context.