align with a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "align with a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing compatibility, agreement, or coordination with a specific idea, goal, or entity. Example: "Our strategies need to align with a common vision for the project to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can choose later to align with a party.

The New York Times

That argued for a challenger who would align with a lot of the incumbent's positions.

The Guardian - Opinion

This paper investigates the control of spacecraft to approach to and align with a tumbling target.

Aerospace Science and Technology

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

The New York Times

One aspect of this is the magnetic moment, the tendency of the electron to align with a magnetic field.

Cornell University

Impact investors want their investments to align with a more rigorous standard of good while achieving a maximum return.

The New York Times

Some suggest that two were built also to align with a cairn on 665-metre Cuilcagh mountain, five miles away.

The Guardian - Travel

None of the major incentives that drive research, such as funding, publication, and prestige, align with a strong culture of accountability.

The Guardian

Yes, this could imply support for policies that happen to align with a more liberal position, but Trout bases his conclusions on psychological research, not political ideology.

University of California, Berkeley

The founders are given independent creativity and it's probably been pulled a little more to align with a monetisation strategy," said Luna.

The Guardian - Tech

Again, the key is to align with a nonprofit group or church that's already involved, and let them know you're ready and willing to travel.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "align with a", ensure that the subject clearly benefits from the action of aligning, creating a positive outcome or increased effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "align with itself" when a simple "aligns" is sufficient. The reflexive pronoun is usually unnecessary and weakens the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "align with a" functions as a prepositional verb phrase. It typically connects a subject with an object, indicating agreement, support, or correspondence. As Ludwig confirms, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "align with a" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase that signifies agreement, correspondence, or support. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. The best practice is to ensure that the subject benefits from the alignment, while avoiding unnecessary reflexive pronouns. By considering these nuances, you can effectively use "align with a" to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conform to a

This suggests adhering to a standard or rule.

be in line with a

This means to be in agreement or conformity.

harmonize with a

This emphasizes agreement or compatibility.

be in accordance with a

This indicates agreement or compliance with something.

be consistent with a

This highlights the maintenance of the same principles.

correspond to a

This suggests a direct relationship or matching.

tally with a

To correspond or agree with.

dovetail with a

To fit together well.

unite with a

To join together with something.

integrate with a

To combine or coordinate with something else.

FAQs

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

Use "align with a" to show agreement or support. For example: "Our marketing strategy should "align with a" customer-centric approach."

What are some alternatives to "align with a"?

You can use alternatives like "conform to a", "harmonize with a", or "be in line with a" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "align with a" and "comply with a"?

"Align with a" suggests a voluntary agreement or similarity in direction, while "comply with a" implies obedience to a rule or requirement.

Is it always necessary to use "align with a" when "align" would suffice?

No, using "align" alone is often sufficient. The addition of "with a" can provide further clarity or emphasis depending on the intended meaning. However, in some cases using only align makes more sense.