in unison

USAGE SUMMARY

"in unison" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe multiple people acting or speaking together in one voice. For example, "The choir members sang in unison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In unison.

The New York Times - Sports

danced in unison.

The New Yorker

"You!" we exclaimed in unison.

The New York Times

"Yes," the screamed in unison.

The New York Times

"Nooooooo!" they called, in unison.

The New Yorker

Both girls answered in unison.

The New York Times

We performed them in unison.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Aaagh," they screamed in unison.

The New York Times

Heads tuned in unison.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not in unison.

The Guardian - Opinion

"YES MA'AM!" they say in unison.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in unison" when you want to emphasize the perfect synchronicity and coordination of multiple actors or elements. It is especially useful when describing synchronized movements, speech, or sounds.

Common error

Avoid using "in unison" when describing actions that are merely performed together without specific coordination. Simple actions lack the necessary precision for "in unison" and can be better expressed through "together" or "simultaneously".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in unison" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. It emphasizes the simultaneous and coordinated nature of the action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in unison" is a versatile adverbial phrase that signifies synchronized and coordinated actions, speech, or sounds. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various registers. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media. When using "in unison", ensure the context involves actions that are precisely timed and performed identically by multiple participants. Alternatives such as "simultaneously" and "in concert" can be used depending on the desired nuance. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively convey a sense of unity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in concert

This phrase implies a harmonious and coordinated effort, often used in more formal contexts.

with one voice

This is specifically applied to speaking or expressing an opinion collectively.

simultaneously

This alternative describes actions happening at the same time, emphasizing the temporal aspect.

in sync

Suggests a coordination that is rhythmic or precisely timed.

at the same time

This option focuses on the concurrence of events or actions, being more general in its application.

together

This term highlights the cooperative or collective nature of an action, but lacks the precision of "in unison".

in harmony

While it can refer to simultaneous action, it's most often applied to musical or metaphorical agreement.

as one

This alternative has a more figurative sense of unity and shared purpose.

in agreement

Focuses on the shared opinion or decision leading to the action.

by agreement

This choice emphasizes the collaborative and consensual nature of the action or statement.

FAQs

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

Use "in unison" to describe actions performed simultaneously and identically by multiple entities, such as "The dancers moved "in unison"" or "The crowd chanted "in unison"".

What's a good alternative to "in unison"?

Alternatives include "simultaneously", "in concert", or "together", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "in unison" formal or informal?

"In unison" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal due to its precision. It can be used in news reports, academic papers, and everyday conversation.

Is there a difference between "in unison" and "in agreement"?

"In unison" describes simultaneous and identical actions, while "in agreement" indicates a shared opinion or consensus. They are not interchangeable; use "in unison" for coordinated actions and "in agreement" for shared beliefs.