harmonise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "harmonise" is correct in written English.
It is typically used when referring to bringing different elements into agreement or alignment, often in music or collaborative efforts. Example: "The team worked together to harmonise their ideas for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Charlotte Powell, a London-based barrister and chair of the Extradition Lawyers Associationnotesthatthet the desire to harmonise procedural rules has outstripped the harmonisation of substantive elements.Moreover, the grounds on which a court may refuse extradition still vary sharply country by country.

The Economist

Just because people are lead singers doesn't mean they can harmonise.

The Guardian

The caterwauling hen parties, the exaggerated "walk out the door" arm gestures, guys nine Bulmers deep trying to harmonise.

The Guardian - Music

The idea was to deliver fair pay for non-medical staff based on the principle of "equal pay for work of equal value", provide better links between pay and career progression, and harmonise terms and conditions of service such as annual leave, hours and sick pay, and work done in unsocial hours (in most cases, weekends, 8pm to 6am on weekdays, and bank holidays).

The Guardian

For the first time, design elements from the Guardian's digital platforms will be echoed in the print edition, helping to harmonise the Guardian's new design language across all platforms.

The Guardian

In 2004, the NHS adopted its current pay system under the banner of Agenda For Change: covering more than one million employees (with the exception of doctors, dentists and some senior managers), it was heralded as the most radical change since the NHS was founded, and intended to harmonise pay scales across the whole organisation.

The Guardian

"In order to consolidate the euro we will need gradually to harmonise our economic, fiscal and social policies, hence we are going to go towards greater integration.

The Guardian

In April 1998 the NGOs used the Internet to scupper the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI), another international agreement designed to harmonise rules on foreign investment.

The Economist

The world's accounting profession is in the midst of a massive effort to harmonise accounting standards.

The Economist

In future, the NYSE may even try to grab the London exchange for itself.Mr Thain hopes that the globalisation of markets will push regulators to harmonise their stock-exchange rules, making real consolidation easier.

The Economist

Efforts to align mortgage products and to reduce the costs of cross-border payment are proceeding separately.The commission admits that differences in language, culture and regulation across the EU's 25 member states will make it relatively hard and costly to harmonise retail financial services.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "harmonise" when you want to emphasize bringing different elements into a pleasing or functional agreement. Be mindful of the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

While "harmonise" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in informal or casual writing. Alternatives like "align" or "coordinate" might be more appropriate depending on the tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "harmonise" is as a verb. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples where it serves to describe the action of bringing elements into agreement. It often appears in contexts related to policies, standards, or efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harmonise" is a verb that signifies bringing elements into agreement or alignment. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and sees frequent use, especially in British English. While the American spelling "harmonize" exists, "harmonise" is perfectly acceptable. Its usage is most common in news and business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional tone. When using "harmonise", ensure it fits the context; otherwise, alternatives like "align", "coordinate", or "integrate" may be more appropriate. Avoiding overuse in informal writing is advisable. "Harmonise" implies the goal of creating cohesion and uniformity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring into accord

Focuses on achieving a state of agreement or consensus.

coordinate effectively

Emphasizes organized action and teamwork toward a common goal.

synchronize efforts

Highlights timing and alignment of activities.

integrate seamlessly

Suggests a smooth and effortless combination of elements.

unify components

Stresses the process of merging separate parts into a whole.

reconcile differences

Specifically addresses resolving conflicts or disagreements.

standardize procedures

Aims to establish consistency and uniformity in practices.

streamline operations

Focuses on improving efficiency and effectiveness through simplification.

attune elements

Implies adjusting components to achieve a harmonious relationship.

balance aspects

Emphasizes creating equilibrium between different elements.

FAQs

How can I use "harmonise" in a sentence?

The verb "harmonise" can be used to describe bringing different things into agreement, such as "We need to harmonise our efforts to achieve the goal" or "The new regulations aim to harmonise standards across the industry".

What are some alternatives to "harmonise"?

You can use alternatives like "align", "coordinate", or "integrate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "harmonise" and "harmonize"?

"Harmonise" is the standard spelling in British English, while "harmonize" is the standard spelling in American English. Both are correct, but it's important to be consistent within your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "harmonise" in formal writing?

The term "harmonise" is suitable for formal writing when discussing the alignment or standardization of processes, regulations, or policies. It conveys a sense of bringing elements into agreement for a cohesive outcome.