in sync

USAGE SUMMARY

"in sync" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English, and it is commonly used to indicate that two or more people/things are in agreement in some sort of coordinated activity or effort.
For example, you could say, "The players kept their movements in sync as they played the song."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Relationships

Technology

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We're in sync.

The New York Times

They're not in sync.

The New York Times - Sports

We're totally in sync".

The New York Times

In sync at last.

The New York Times - Sports

"We found we were just in sync.

The New York Times

"Notice how everything is in sync.

The New York Times

He didn't appear in sync.

The New York Times - Sports

They were completely in sync.

The Guardian - Sport

And our goals are in sync.

The Economist

— might have tastes in sync with yours.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In-Sync becomes their home for life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in sync" to describe situations where elements are well-coordinated and working together effectively. For example, "The team's strategies were "in sync" with the company's goals."

Common error

Avoid using "in sync" to merely indicate that two objects are physically close to each other. "In sync" implies a functional or rhythmic coordination, not just spatial closeness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "in sync" is as a prepositional phrase. It typically acts as an adjective, describing a state of coordination or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in sync" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes a state of harmonious coordination or agreement. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across a variety of sources. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Sports contexts. While "in sync" is generally appropriate for most situations, remember that its core meaning revolves around coordinated activity, and it shouldn't be used to simply denote physical proximity. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "in agreement", "in harmony", or "on the same wavelength" to best fit the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the same wavelength

Indicates a shared understanding or intuitive connection.

synchronized

Stresses a precise and timed coordination.

in unison

Implies simultaneous action or occurrence.

in agreement

Focuses on a state of accord or consensus.

coordinated

Focuses on the organized and efficient collaboration.

in step

Highlights coordinated movement or progress.

in harmony

Emphasizes a pleasant or aesthetically pleasing alignment.

aligned

Implies a structural or directional correspondence.

of one mind

Highlights a shared understanding or perspective.

compatible

Emphasizes the ability to coexist or function well together.

FAQs

How can I use "in sync" in a sentence?

You can use "in sync" to describe harmonious coordination or agreement, such as "The dancers were perfectly "synchronized", moving "in unison" and "in harmony" with the music".

What does it mean when things are "in sync"?

When things are "in sync", it means they are "aligned" and operating together harmoniously. This can refer to people, processes, or even abstract ideas.

What are some alternatives to saying "in sync"?

Alternatives include "in agreement", "in harmony", or "on the same wavelength", depending on the specific context.

Is "in sync" formal or informal language?

"In sync" is generally considered neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles.