aligned themselves with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aligned themselves with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of supporting or associating oneself with a particular group, idea, or cause. Example: "The organization aligned themselves with environmental initiatives to promote sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The two have aligned themselves with Mr. Buchanan.

The New York Times

And they have aligned themselves with vast organized criminal networks.

The New York Times

Syria then turned on the Maronite Christians after they aligned themselves with Israel.

The New York Times

In the other approach, Republican candidates have aligned themselves with conservative black leaders.

The New Yorker

Local businesses have aligned themselves with unhappy residents, claiming that trade has fallen through the floor.

The Guardian

The pair further aligned themselves with the Egyptian deities Isis and Osiris, also married siblings.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Many revolutionaries still balk at aligning themselves with Morsi supporters.

The Guardian

Playing in galleries, they align themselves with art over pop.

The Guardian - Music

Cells were shown to align themselves with the scaffold.

Biomaterials

But some notables are aligning themselves with the movement.

The New York Times

But which teams do they align themselves with?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aligned themselves with", ensure the subject clearly benefits or shares common goals with the entity they are aligning with. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "aligned themselves with" when the connection is fleeting or superficial. This phrase implies a deliberate and meaningful association.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aligned themselves with" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate act of association or support. It connects a subject (individuals, groups, or organizations) with another entity, suggesting a shared purpose or ideology. Ludwig confirms this usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "aligned themselves with" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies a deliberate association or support, as confirmed by Ludwig. Grammatically sound and suitable for diverse contexts from news reporting to encyclopedic entries, it effectively communicates strategic decisions and affiliations. While alternatives like "associated themselves with" or "sided with" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Be mindful of the strength of the alignment to avoid misrepresentation. According to Ludwig, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, emphasizing its relevance in public discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

associated themselves with

Replaces "aligned" with "associated", indicating a connection or relationship without necessarily implying full agreement or support.

sided with

Uses a simpler verb to convey taking a position in support of someone or something.

joined forces with

Emphasizes a collaborative aspect of the alignment, suggesting a combined effort.

partnered with

Highlights a formal or structured agreement to work together.

allied with

Suggests a more formal or strategic union, often for mutual benefit.

threw their weight behind

Idiomatic expression emphasizing strong support and influence.

declared support for

Focuses on the act of publicly announcing backing for a cause or entity.

gravitated towards

Indicates a natural or gradual attraction and movement towards a particular group or idea.

came out in support of

Highlights the public and explicit nature of the support.

expressed solidarity with

Emphasizes a feeling of unity and shared interests with a group or cause.

FAQs

How can I use "aligned themselves with" in a sentence?

You can use "aligned themselves with" to describe a group or individual choosing to support or associate with a cause, organization, or another individual. For example: "The company "aligned themselves with" a charity to improve its public image."

What can I say instead of "aligned themselves with"?

Alternatives include "associated themselves with", "sided with", or "joined forces with", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "aligned themselves with" or "aligned itself with"?

"Aligned themselves with" is used when the subject is plural, while "aligned itself with" is used when the subject is singular. For example: "The organizations "aligned themselves with" the movement," versus "The company "aligned itself with" the cause."

What is the difference between "aligned themselves with" and "partnered with"?

"Aligned themselves with" suggests a general agreement or support, while "partnered with" implies a more formal, collaborative relationship, often with specific goals or agreements in place.