in complete unison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in complete unison" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where multiple people or things are acting or responding in perfect harmony or agreement. Example: "The choir sang in complete unison, creating a beautiful and powerful sound that resonated throughout the hall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But they were not in complete unison, and that made the tall man leaning against a wall unhappy.

The New York Times

Mr Eden has given the welcome news that the British and American Governments are working in complete unison in this matter.

The Economist

"The voices of the public and the profession are in complete unison that cuts to legal aid and the introduction of court fees have only served to exacerbate an already difficult situation.

The Guardian

As he began to speak, nearly all of the 3,600 people in attendance pulled out their smartphones in complete unison — no flip-phones here — to snap a picture and share it on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The New York Times

Basketball at its best, the way the Spurs play it, requires a kind of chemistry among teammates in service of operating an offense that should look something like Henry Ford's assembly line: multiple parts—five, in this case moving in complete unison.

The New Yorker

Basketball at its best, the way the Spurs play it, requires a kind of chemistry among teammates in service of operating an offense that should look something like Henry Ford's assembly line: multiple parts — five, in this case — moving in complete unison.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

At this pause in the prayer the priest says, "Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day…" at which point the people in unison complete the final two lines of the prayer, saying "For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever".

Encyclopedia Britannica

In contrast to the in-unison normal modes, the out-of-unison complex modes feature a π/2 phase difference.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the selected full text by two reviewers (MT and MP); article selection was completed independently and then in unison.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

They answered in unison, in Arabic.

The New York Times

Gone are the frothy days -- of the last few years -- when the market as a whole, or complete sectors, moved in near-unison.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in complete unison" to emphasize perfect agreement or simultaneous action, especially when describing groups or systems acting harmoniously.

Common error

Avoid using "in complete unison" when a simpler phrase like "in agreement" or "agreeing" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the coordination or harmony is a key aspect of the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in complete unison" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adverb, or noun, indicating that something is done or exists in perfect agreement or synchronization. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase describes actions performed with perfect coordination.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in complete unison" is a grammatically sound and relatively common prepositional phrase used to highlight perfect agreement or synchronization. As shown by Ludwig, it often appears in news and media contexts, emphasizing coordinated actions or unified opinions. While not strictly redundant, its use should be reserved for situations where the emphasis on complete harmony is significant. Alternative phrases like "in perfect agreement" or "perfectly synchronized" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in perfect agreement

Emphasizes agreement rather than simultaneous action or sound.

in total harmony

Focuses on harmonious coordination, often in musical or artistic contexts.

perfectly synchronized

Highlights the timing and coordination of actions.

in absolute accord

Stresses the completeness of agreement or alignment.

acting in concert

Suggests a coordinated effort toward a common goal.

with one voice

Emphasizes the unified expression of opinion or sentiment.

of one mind

Highlights the shared understanding or intention.

in full accord

Similar to 'in absolute accord' but perhaps slightly less emphatic.

perfectly aligned

Emphasizes that elements are positioned or oriented in the same way.

in perfect synchronization

Focuses on the precise timing and alignment of actions or processes.

FAQs

How can I use "in complete unison" in a sentence?

Use "in complete unison" to describe situations where actions or voices are perfectly synchronized or in total agreement. For example, "The choir sang "in complete unison", creating a powerful effect".

What phrases are similar to "in complete unison"?

Alternatives include "in perfect agreement", "in total harmony", or "perfectly synchronized", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "in complete unison"?

While "unison" implies agreement, "in complete unison" emphasizes the thoroughness and perfection of that agreement or synchronization. It's not strictly redundant, but consider if the emphasis is necessary for your writing.

In what contexts is "in complete unison" most appropriate?

"In complete unison" is particularly fitting in contexts involving music, coordinated movements, or when highlighting a strong, unified response. It is often found in "news media" and descriptive writing.