move as a unit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move as a unit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people or things that act together in a coordinated manner. Example: "During the drill, the team was instructed to move as a unit to ensure efficiency and safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But in Mexico, where "families in general move as a unit," Mr. Poor says, their priorities began to shift.

The New York Times

The members are happy about these developments, but their reluctant, temporary disbandment raises questions of whether a sketch group can move, as a unit, beyond stage work.

The New York Times - Arts

They are inherited as a group; that is, during cell division they act and move as a unit rather than independently.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a split-second technique based on getting your whole body to move as a unit to levitate off the ground or land flat.

The New Yorker

The head of the malleus and the body of the incus are tightly bound together, with the result that they move as a unit in unison with the tympanic membrane.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We move as a unit, not as individuals.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In the first period England moved as a unit, supporting each other, passing short and sweet, pulling their opponents around.

Independent

As the tail took on more of a steering function and less of a supportive one, it became shorter and more readily moved as a unit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gladbach defended deep without being negative or passive, moved as a unit to close down spaces, forced Bayern to play long ball from the back and hit the league leaders on training-ground-choreographed counterattacks.

The Guardian - Sport

Osteotomy is when a segment of the bone is cut into the medullary bone and is separated and then moved as a unit as shown in [58, 67].

Progress in Orthodontics

He laughed to himself, and his paunch moved as a unit.  .

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "move as a unit", ensure the context clearly indicates a coordinated action by a group, whether physical movement or a unified decision-making process.

Common error

Avoid using "move as a unit" when describing individual actions within a group that are not directly coordinated. Instead, use it only when the entire group acts with synchronized effort or purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move as a unit" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the coordinated action or movement of a group. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used. It emphasizes unity and synchronization in action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move as a unit" describes coordinated action, especially emphasizing teamwork and shared goals. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is correct and usable in English. While not extremely frequent, it appears in diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, indicating broad applicability. To enhance clarity in writing, ensure the context reflects a synchronized group effort. Alternatives like "act in unison" and "operate cohesively" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as one

Suggests a complete agreement and unity in action or decision-making.

move in sync

Emphasizes synchronized movement, similar to ballet or synchronized swimming.

act in unison

Emphasizes synchronized action rather than physical movement.

operate as a team

Specifies that the action is done by a group with a shared purpose.

operate cohesively

Focuses on the united and integrated nature of the operation, not necessarily movement.

proceed together

Suggests advancing or progressing towards a goal collaboratively.

function collectively

Highlights the joint effort in achieving a purpose.

advance in formation

Implies a structured and organized forward movement, often in a military or processional context.

work together seamlessly

Implies smooth and efficient collaboration during the action.

coordinate effectively

Highlights the efficient aspect of the coordinated action.

FAQs

How can I use "move as a unit" in a sentence?

You can use "move as a unit" to describe coordinated action or movement, like: "The team was trained to "move as a unit" during drills" or "The company needs to "move as a unit" to overcome the crisis".

What are some alternatives to "move as a unit"?

Alternatives include "act in unison", "operate cohesively", or "function collectively", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "moving as a unit" instead of "move as a unit"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "move as a unit" is typically used as an infinitive or imperative, while "moving as a unit" functions as a gerund or participle. For example: "Moving as a unit is crucial for success", or "They need to move as a unit".

What does it mean to "move as a unit" in a business context?

In a business context, to ""move as a unit"" means that all departments and employees are working together towards a common goal with aligned strategies and coordinated efforts. It requires everyone to "act as one".