abreast with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abreast with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to mean "in line with," "in league with," or "up to date with" something. For example, you could say "I am trying to stay abreast with the latest trends in technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus does the Empire keep abreast with the times.

The New Yorker

On the return flight, we sat four abreast, with the aisle cut between us.

The New Yorker

Three high, two abreast, with shovels of dirt tossed in by City Department of Correction inmates.

The New York Times

Caro and Grace lead a life of supervision, marching 3 abreast with Dora down the street.

The New Yorker

We hug the shoulder riding two abreast with traffic (bikes are considered "vehicles").

The New York Times - Arts

Chrissy blames the hassles of housekeeping and child rearing for her failure to stay abreast with the day's big issues.

The New York Times - Books

Even on the main pedestrian thoroughfares there is little point in trying to walk abreast with your ever-loving.

The Guardian

The young punk of a soldier now stays abreast with us instead of dropping back to the rear.

Stanford University

There is probably no better, and certainly no more accessible, tool for keeping abreast with sustainability thinking, development, papers, case studies and failures than twitter.

The Guardian

Presentations of live, high-definition ballet in movie theaters worldwide, keeping abreast with those of opera and theater, have become a trend in the last year or so.

The New York Times - Arts

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abreast with", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you are staying updated or informed about. For example, "stay abreast with the latest research" is clearer than simply "stay abreast."

Common error

While "abreast with" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in extremely formal contexts where more precise or sophisticated language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "fully informed" or "thoroughly versed" for those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abreast with" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a state of being informed or up-to-date regarding a particular subject or area. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts requiring continuous learning and awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "abreast with" is a commonly used and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that signifies being up-to-date or informed about something. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase sees frequent usage in the news, science, and academic spheres. While "abreast of" is considered by many to be the more traditional alternative, staying "abreast with" the times is a solid option for conveying the need for continuous learning and adaptation across various contexts. To ensure correct usage, always clarify what you are staying updated about, and consider your audience when selecting between "abreast with" and alternatives like "up to date with" or "familiar with".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

up to date with

Emphasizes having the most current information; it focuses on time and currency of knowledge.

familiar with

Suggests a general awareness and understanding, differing slightly in its focus on comprehension rather than currency.

informed about

Focuses on the state of being knowledgeable on a particular subject; slightly less dynamic than "abreast with".

in the loop on

Indicates being included in communications or updates about a specific topic or project; more informal than "abreast with".

keeping up with

Highlights the continuous effort to stay updated, emphasizing the ongoing nature of staying informed.

acquainted with

Suggests a more personal or direct experience of becoming aware; slightly more passive than actively staying "abreast with".

cognizant of

Implies a formal awareness and understanding; more often used in professional or academic settings.

aware of

A general term for knowing about something; less specific to staying current.

conversant with

Indicates a level of expertise that allows one to discuss a topic intelligently; more focused on ability than just awareness.

apprised of

Suggests being formally or officially informed; carries a tone of authority or importance.

FAQs

What does "abreast with" mean?

The phrase "abreast with" means to be up-to-date, informed, or knowledgeable about something. It implies staying current with the latest developments or information.

How can I use "abreast with" in a sentence?

You can use "abreast with" to indicate that someone is keeping up with the latest information in a particular field. For example, "It's important for doctors to stay abreast with new medical research".

What can I say instead of "abreast with"?

You can use alternatives like "up to date with", "familiar with", or "informed about" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "abreast of" instead of "abreast with"?

While "abreast with" is commonly used, "abreast of" is generally considered the more traditional and grammatically correct form. However, both are widely accepted.