align with

USAGE SUMMARY

'align with' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to express agreement with a particular point of view or action. For example, "The company has decided to align with the new regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Playgrounds align with that".

The New York Times

"Does it align with our major?

The New York Times

His policies align with their progressive values.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If I align with a brand, it needs to align with my values".

The New York Times

"Everything I do I align with charity," Ms. Lanfrank said.

The New York Times

Aasif Qu'osby, Mandvi told me, would align with Trump politically.

The New Yorker

Firstly, it needs to align with Lego values.

The Guardian

"First there was reducing costs to align with the revenues.

The New York Times

Several smaller stone circles in the area align with Callanish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"My politics don't really align with Elizabeth Warren's," he said.

The New York Times

So far, most Americans do not align with either movement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "align with", ensure that the subject and object are logically compatible. For instance, values can align with principles, but a physical object cannot align with an abstract concept.

Common error

Avoid using "align with" in overly passive constructions. For example, instead of saying "It was aligned with...", opt for a more direct statement such as "It aligned with..." or "It aligns with...".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "align with" is to act as a phrasal verb, indicating agreement, support, or correspondence between two or more entities. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "align with" functions as a versatile phrasal verb used to express agreement, correspondence, or harmony between entities. As demonstrated by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific research and business environments. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and enjoys widespread usage. While alternatives such as "correspond to" or "harmonize with" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. It's important to ensure logical compatibility between the subject and object when using "align with", and to avoid overly passive constructions for clarity. Overall, "align with" is a valuable tool for expressing alignment and agreement in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correspond to

Emphasizes a direct relationship or matching of details.

harmonize with

Suggests a pleasing or congruent combination.

be in accordance with

Highlights adherence to a rule, standard, or principle.

conform to

Focuses on compliance or obedience to something.

tally with

Implies a numerical agreement or match.

square with

Indicates that something is consistent or compatible with something else.

be consistent with

Highlights a lack of contradiction or variation.

coincide with

Emphasizes the occurrence of events at the same time.

agree with

Focuses on having the same opinion or feeling.

match up with

Suggests finding a counterpart or equivalent.

FAQs

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

You can use "align with" to show agreement or correspondence. For example, "His actions "align with" his beliefs" or "The company's goals "align with" its mission statement".

What are some alternatives to "align with"?

Alternatives to "align with" include "correspond to", "harmonize with", or "be in accordance with", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "align with" and "agree with"?

"Align with" often implies a structural or strategic fit, while "agree with" typically refers to sharing the same opinion. For example, strategies might "align with" a company's goals, while people "agree with" a specific proposal.

When is it appropriate to use "align with" in formal writing?

"Align with" is suitable for formal writing when discussing strategies, goals, or principles that are in accordance or harmony. In more casual contexts, simpler phrases might be preferred.