dovetail

USAGE SUMMARY

"dovetail" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a noun, verb or adjective. Example sentence: "The two pieces of wood fit together perfectly due to the dovetailing of the edges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In one-day cricket you've got to dovetail, not everyone's going to have their day every day," said Broad.

The Guardian - Sport

Among the criticisms put forward in the letter drafted by Harud's detractors were that holding the festival in Kashmir would "dovetail with the state's concerted attempt to portray that all is normal in Kashmir" and that: people are not allowed to speak their minds in Kashmir.

The Economist

The types of services covered generally dovetail with the recommendations of a government advisory panel.

The Guardian

Instead, each partner orders bits and bobs, typically from compatriots, hoping that everything will dovetail nicely in Cadarache.

The Economist

No wonder it is so useful but also so dangerous when staff want to talk to each other.Over and over again, the Internet's uses turn out to dovetail beautifully with current trends.

The Economist

For one thing, the agencies keep their own lists of investigations, which do not completely dovetail.

The Economist

It looks much more respectable, says Michael Smith, of the media department of Northwestern University, if freebies dovetail neatly with a newspaper's brand.

The Economist

Ms Phelps describes how European public-health campaigns encouraging contraceptive use dovetail with national attitudes towards sexuality that treat it as less of a dangerous conflagration and more of a natural part of development.

The Economist

It has the most domestic connections of the three mainland giants, and so could, in theory, dovetail perfectly with Cathay's international connections.

The Economist

This would dovetail nicely with the incentives of the owners.

The Economist

It must also license parts of its code to rivals, to make it easier to dovetail their server-based software with Windows.The commission is now monitoring some other high-tech companies too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dovetail" to describe how different elements, plans, or ideas fit together in a complementary and effective way. For example, "The marketing strategy and sales plan should dovetail to maximize revenue."

Common error

Avoid using "dovetail" when you simply mean that two things agree or are similar. "Dovetail" implies a more intricate and interlocking relationship, rather than just a surface-level correspondence. Use "agree", "align", or "correspond" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dovetail" is as a verb, indicating the action of fitting together in a harmonious or complementary way. As Ludwig AI states, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dovetail" is a versatile verb that signifies a harmonious and complementary fit between different elements. According to Ludwig AI, the word follows standard grammar rules. It is frequently used in contexts like news reporting and formal communications to illustrate how plans, ideas, or objects align and enhance each other. While the word sees frequent usage, make sure to use it to suggest an interlocked relationship instead of a surface-level correspondance. Related phrases include "fit together seamlessly" and "align perfectly". With a high expert rating and strong source quality, understanding and appropriately using "dovetail" can elevate the precision and sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fit together seamlessly

Emphasizes the smooth and integrated nature of the fit.

align perfectly

Highlights the precise correspondence between elements.

mesh harmoniously

Suggests a pleasant and agreeable combination.

interlock effectively

Focuses on the functional aspect of joining together.

coordinate smoothly

Implies a well-managed and efficient connection.

correspond accurately

Stresses the exactness of the match.

integrate well

Highlights the assimilation of different components.

coincide neatly

Suggests a convenient and orderly alignment.

blend seamlessly

Highlights the smooth and unnoticeable mixture of elements.

harmonize completely

Stresses the full and agreeable alignment.

FAQs

How can I use "dovetail" in a sentence?

You can use "dovetail" to describe how different ideas, plans, or elements fit together seamlessly. For example, "The company's sustainability goals "dovetail" with their long-term profitability objectives."

What does it mean when someone says that two things "dovetail"?

When someone says that two things "dovetail", it means they fit together well, often in a way that enhances or complements each other. It suggests a strong and interlocking connection.

What can I say instead of "dovetail"?

You can use alternatives like "fit together seamlessly", "align perfectly", or "mesh harmoniously" depending on the context.

Is "dovetail" only used in a business context?

No, "dovetail" can be used in various contexts to describe how different elements fit together. While it is often used in business, it can also be used in personal relationships, project management, and even in describing physical objects.