commune with

USAGE SUMMARY

“commune with” is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used as an intransitive verb to describe the spiritual, emotional, or intellectual connection between two or more entities - either a human and a higher power, or two humans. Example sentence: I found it therapeutic to commune with the natural environment around me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Commune with nature!

The New York Times

Commune with all people.

MIT Technology Review

And I commune with the river.

The Guardian - Film

Like an old-school commune with polygamy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Eckstein was told to commune with some respectable Episcopalians.

The New York Times - Magazine

Patsy Tarr displays artists who commune with choreographers.

The New York Times

When he is praying, he seems to commune with God.

The New Yorker

Take the opportunity to commune with other human beings.

Harvard Business Review

We stopped first to commune with Jana, the newborn giraffe.

The New Yorker

"I often just sit and commune with him.

The Guardian - Film

We've all got to commune with nature at some point.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commune with", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the sense of deep, meaningful connection or communication you intend to convey. It's particularly effective when describing interactions with nature, spirituality, or the arts.

Common error

Avoid using "commune with" in everyday, casual conversations. Its formal tone and connotation of profound connection can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commune with" primarily functions as an intransitive verb followed by a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the establishment of a spiritual, emotional, or intellectual bond between entities. Examples show it expressing a deep connection with nature, art, or other individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commune with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes a deep and meaningful connection or interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its use as an intransitive verb describing a spiritual, emotional, or intellectual bond. While it appears across various contexts, it is most prevalent in News & Media and Academia sources. When using it, consider its connotation of profound connection and avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "connect with" or "interact with" may be more suitable for less formal situations. Ultimately, "commune with" is a valuable phrase for expressing deep connections with nature, art, spirituality, or other individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

connect with

This alternative suggests a broader sense of establishing a relationship or understanding.

interact with

Emphasizes active engagement and reciprocal action.

be in touch with

Focuses on maintaining contact or awareness.

relate to

Highlights finding a connection based on shared characteristics or feelings.

feel at one with

Implies a deep sense of unity and harmony.

share thoughts with

Focuses on exchanging ideas and feelings.

achieve harmony with

Emphasizes reaching a state of balance and agreement.

be as one with

Similar to 'feel at one with' but with a slightly stronger emphasis on unity.

be in accord with

Highlights agreement or alignment.

correspond with

Implies a formal or structured exchange.

FAQs

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

Use "commune with" to describe a deep, meaningful interaction, often with nature, art, or a spiritual entity. For example, "She likes to "commune with" nature by hiking in the mountains".

What are some alternatives to "commune with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "connect with", "interact with", or "be in touch with".

Is "commune with" formal or informal?

"Commune with" is generally considered a formal phrase. While not overly stilted, it suggests a deeper, more meaningful interaction than everyday communication.

When is it appropriate to use "commune with"?

It's appropriate to use "commune with" when describing a profound connection or interaction, such as meditating in nature, experiencing art, or engaging in spiritual practices. It's less suitable for casual conversation.