beat in time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beat in time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to keeping a rhythm or synchronizing actions with a specific tempo, often in music or dance contexts. Example: "The drummer ensured that all the musicians would beat in time during the performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's not so difficult to beat in time".

The Guardian - Music

Must his heart beat in time with those of his compatriots?

The Economist

First prize for popularity went hands down to Giuseppe Filianoti, a tenor whose heart seemed to beat in time with Ciléa's own.

The New York Times - Arts

Though the cells were not considered safe enough to put back into patients, they appeared healthy in the laboratory and beat in time with other cells when implanted into rats.

The Guardian

Already, the researchers have used the technique to create a heartlike tissue whose cells beat in time, they report today in Science Advances.

Science Magazine

The results suggest those who had undertaken a lot of musical training were better at remembering melodies and tapping out a beat in time than those without musical training, but they were not better when it came to detecting subtle differences in sound.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Miller story told this way beats in time with the story at the heart of Ameri­ca's self-image: Can-Do/Rags to Riches/ Boy Makes Good.

The New York Times - Books

The Miller story told this way beats in time with the story at the heart of Ameri/ca's self-image: Can-Do/Rags to Riches/ Boy Makes Good.

The New York Times

The simulation results suggest that several resonant waves between the ion gyrofrequencies can occur at a certain location and show wave amplitude beating in time histories.

Earth, Planets and Space

The simulation results show that several resonant waves between the ion gyrofrequencies can occur at certain locations and show wave amplitude beating in time histories.

Earth, Planets and Space

Once inside a patient, they have to survive, home in to the right parts of the heart, and produce new muscle that beats in time with existing cells.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beat in time" in musical or rhythmic contexts, ensure that the subject performing the action is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it's a drummer, a heart, or a machine that is beating in time.

Common error

Avoid using "beat in time" to describe actions that simply occur simultaneously without a rhythmic or synchronized element. This phrase implies a deliberate coordination with a specific tempo, not just general concurrence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "beat in time" is that of a verb phrase, often functioning as a predicate within a sentence. It describes an action performed in coordination with a rhythm or tempo. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beat in time" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that signifies synchronization with a rhythm or tempo. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently used in news and media, followed by science and general contexts. While its frequency is relatively rare, proper use involves ensuring the subject's action is clearly rhythmic and synchronized. Consider alternatives like "keep pace with" or "synchronize with" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep pace with

This alternative focuses on maintaining the same speed or rate as something else, emphasizing the idea of not falling behind.

synchronize with

This phrase highlights the act of aligning actions or events to occur at the same time, emphasizing coordinated timing.

move in unison with

This option emphasizes performing actions together simultaneously and harmoniously.

march to the same drum

This idiomatic phrase suggests that everyone is following the same direction or set of instructions, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.

be in sync with

This option indicates a state of harmonious agreement or coordination.

accord with

This emphasizes agreement or harmony, often in a more formal context.

resonate with

This suggests a deeper connection or agreement, often in terms of feelings or ideas.

vibrate in harmony with

Highlights a coordinated oscillation, useful in scientific or artistic contexts where rhythmic movement is critical.

pulse in rhythm with

This emphasizes a rhythmic, recurring pattern that aligns with something else, useful in describing biological or musical processes.

act in concert with

This phrase highlights the collaborative and coordinated effort towards a common goal.

FAQs

How can I use "beat in time" in a sentence?

You can use "beat in time" to describe something that is synchronized with a rhythm or tempo. For example, "The drummer ensured that all the musicians would beat in time during the performance", or "The dancer's steps beat in time with the music".

What does it mean for something to "beat in time"?

When something "beats in time", it means it is synchronized with a specific rhythm or tempo, often in the context of music, dance, or biological processes.

What are some alternatives to saying "beat in time"?

You can use alternatives like "keep pace with", "synchronize with", or "move in unison with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "beats in time" or should I always use "beat in time"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "beat in time" for plural subjects or in the past tense. Use "beats in time" for singular, present tense subjects (e.g., "The heart beats in time with the music").