cohesion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'cohesion' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the close connection that exists between different people, groups, or ideas, or to refer to a feeling of unity that exists within a group. For example, "The sports team had great cohesion, and their teamwork was outstanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The most far-reaching strategy for strengthening fragile cities involves investment in measures to boost social cohesion and mobility.

The Guardian

Too much immigration and too little integration have, they suggest, combined to erode social cohesion, undermine national identity and corrode public trust.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the British empire was gradually dissolved after the second world war and its industrial base attacked by younger, nimbler economies, the cohesion of the British state weakened.

The Guardian

Similar sentiments were expressed in Toxteth, in Liverpool, where the fact that rioting was more contained – compared with London, Birmingham and Manchester – was partly attributed to community cohesion and an outreach drive by youth workers who toured the streets, dissuading people from getting involved.

The Guardian

We're glad this has sparked a debate, as our aim is to encourage people to talk about the importance of cohesion at all ages".

The Guardian

I agree with the principle of One Tower Hamlets and the principle of community cohesion.

The Guardian

But I'm not worried about the legacy that the World Cup will leave behind in terms of social cohesion and integration".

The Guardian - Sport

The world's population is now odds-on to swell ever-higher for the rest of the century, posing grave challenges for food supplies, healthcare and social cohesion.

The Guardian

"The euro is undermining the political cohesion of the European Union, and, if it continues like that, could even destroy the European Union," he said in comments carried by Reuters.

The Guardian - Business

However, experts have detected a shift in the government's attitude towards Prevent, with a realisation on the part of policy-makers and security professionals that overall counter-terrorism efforts were lacking initiatives to improve community cohesion.

The Guardian

The focus should be the cohesion of all those living in a territory, based on respect and shared values".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, ensure you clarify whether you're referring to intermolecular forces, plant growth, or system elements when using "cohesion".

Common error

Avoid using "cohesion" when you mean "adhesion". "Cohesion" refers to the attraction between similar molecules, while "adhesion" is the attraction between different molecules. For example, the "cohesion" of water molecules creates surface tension, while "adhesion" allows water to stick to glass.

Linguistic Context

The noun "cohesion" primarily functions as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting the state of cohering or working together. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness, with examples demonstrating usage in varied contexts from social dynamics to physical properties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cohesion" is a versatile noun denoting the state of sticking together or working in unity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent usage across diverse fields from social sciences to physics. It is important to distinguish it from similar terms like "adhesion". Its function spans across describing group dynamics, structural integrity, and logical consistency. Expect to encounter it predominantly in news, business, and scientific contexts. Its frequent presence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its relevance and importance in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unity

Replaces "cohesion" with a focus on the state of being united or joined as a whole.

togetherness

Highlights the feeling of closeness and unity among a group of people.

coherence

Focuses on the logical and consistent relationship of parts.

solidarity

Emphasizes unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest.

integration

Stresses the process of combining or blending into a unified whole.

accord

Highlights agreement or harmony, often in the context of opinions or actions.

interconnectedness

Emphasizes the state of being connected or related to each other.

teamwork

Focuses on the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal.

collaboration

Highlights the act of working jointly with others.

consensus

Focuses on the general agreement or concord.

FAQs

How is "cohesion" used in team dynamics?

"Cohesion" in team dynamics refers to the degree to which members are bonded and committed to each other and the team's goals. High "cohesion" often leads to better communication, collaboration, and overall performance.

What are some synonyms for "cohesion" in writing?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "unity", "coherence", "solidarity", or "integration" to replace "cohesion" and add variety to your writing.

How does "cohesion" differ from "coherence"?

"Cohesion" generally refers to the act or state of sticking together physically or the state of logical connection or union. "Coherence" refers to the quality of being logical and consistent, often applied to arguments or texts. While related, "cohesion" can apply to groups or materials, whereas "coherence" is more about structure and logic.

In what contexts is "cohesion" particularly important?

"Cohesion" is especially vital in contexts such as team management, community building, political science, and material science. It is key to ensuring stability, effectiveness, and harmony whether in group dynamics, social structures, or physical properties.