in step with

USAGE SUMMARY

"in step with" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is used to mean that two or more things are moving in the same direction at the same speed, or that they are acting in the same way. Example sentence: The company is moving forward in step with the changing industry.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm in step with Prof Jules Pretty.

Cornell University

Its concerns are in step with ours.

The New York Times

He fell in step with her, easily.

The Guardian - Books

The company grew in step with Japan's economic prominence.

Harvard University

Designers apparently have been right in step with this phenomenon.

The New York Times

That is a value proposition in step with the times.

The Guardian

Neither set of delegates was in step with that attitude.

The New York Times

But then television merely fell in step with the times.

The New York Times

Still, he is not always in step with Mr. Trump.

The New York Times

We did not cause that movement, but we believe this decision is in step with it.

Harvard University

2. C. Barrett and T. Bradshaw, "Burberry in Step With Digital Age," August 31 , 2011 www.ft.com.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in step with" to show alignment or agreement between different entities or ideas. For instance, "The company's strategy is in step with the latest market trends."

Common error

Avoid using "in step with" when you actually mean "better than" or "more advanced than". The phrase implies alignment, not necessarily superiority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in step with" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates that two or more things are moving in the same direction, at the same speed, or acting in a similar manner. It is often used to show alignment or agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "in step with" signifies alignment, agreement, or synchronization between entities or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely applicable in written English. Its versatility allows for use across various registers, from formal academic papers to informal news articles and everyday conversations. The most frequent contexts for this phrase are News & Media and Academia, and it's important to use it to indicate alignment rather than superiority. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively incorporate "in step with" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in line with

Similar to "aligned with", this option indicates a directional agreement or a shared path.

aligned with

This alternative suggests a more direct and intentional alignment, often used in strategic contexts.

consistent with

This suggests a lack of contradiction or deviation, focusing on maintaining a uniform approach.

keeping pace with

This indicates an effort to maintain the same speed or progress as something else.

in accordance with

This option implies adherence to a rule, standard, or guideline.

congruent with

This emphasizes the similarity and overlap between two things.

agreeing with

This suggests an active and conscious agreement or concurrence.

in harmony with

This suggests a pleasant or agreeable relationship, often used in more aesthetic or philosophical contexts.

abreast of

Suggests keeping up to date and well informed on current progress. It's more about knowledge than active coordination.

synchronized with

This option implies a precise temporal or rhythmic coordination.

FAQs

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

You can use "in step with" to indicate alignment or agreement, as in "The new policy is "in step with" the company's values" or "The dancer moved "in step with" the music".

What's a good alternative to "in step with"?

Alternatives to "in step with" include "aligned with", "in accordance with", and "consistent with". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How formal is the phrase "in step with"?

"In step with" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversation.

Is "in step with" synonymous with "keeping pace with"?

While similar, ""in step with"" suggests general agreement or alignment, while "keeping pace with" specifically refers to maintaining the same speed or rate of progress.