moving in unison

USAGE SUMMARY

"moving in unison" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to move together in a coordinated and synchronized manner. Example: The dancers on stage were moving in unison, creating a beautiful and mesmerizing performance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You want to see the bows moving in unison.

Independent

Another sets Acosta against Edward Watson, two very different men moving in unison.

Independent

They contained the space by moving in unison — close, but not touching — mirroring the shapes created in "Chain Suite".

The New York Times - Arts

If you look closely at the moving feet in the images above, you'll notice that they are moving in unison.

The New Yorker

No, those would be 72 nimble feet of the Rockettes, moving in unison at this year's "Radio City Christmas Spectacular".

The New York Times

Benny Avni paddled along, his arms moving in unison, as he passed the Tribes of Israel Street.

The New Yorker

His colleague Nick Bonner said the crowd of thousands moving in unison was highly reminiscent of the Pyongyang events.

The Guardian

Under outbreak conditions, Mormon crickets often form large cohesive migratory bands that can contain millions of individuals moving in unison across the landscape.

Animal Behaviour

When the full cast was onstage, moving in unison in the work's rounded, rippling vocabulary, you could practically feel it sweeping you along.

The New Yorker

In the spin room after the BidenPalin debate, I was knocked from behind and absorbed into a cloud of reporters moving in unison toward the Fox News set.

The New Yorker

When, at the finale, the chorus struts its stuff in "One" — streamlined bodies moving in unison like a well-oiled machine — its victory is a triumph of anonymity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moving in unison" to describe actions or movements that are precisely synchronized and coordinated, often to create a visual or functional effect. It is effective in describing dance, sports, or mechanical processes.

Common error

Avoid using "moving in unison" when actions are merely similar or parallel but lack precise synchronization. For example, describing people walking in the same direction at different paces is not accurately described as "moving in unison".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moving in unison" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier describing how something is moving. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates synchronized and coordinated movement, adding detail to the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moving in unison" is a versatile phrase used to describe coordinated and synchronized movements or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, arts and scientific contexts, the phrase emphasizes precision and harmony. While grammatically sound and widely used, it's important to ensure it's used accurately to describe actions that are truly synchronized, avoiding misuse for merely similar activities. Alternatives like "acting in concert" or "synchronized movement" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

synchronized movement

Focuses specifically on the coordinated and timed aspect of the movement.

coordinated motion

Highlights the well-organized and harmonious nature of the movement.

moving as a single entity

Emphasizes the unity and cohesion of the group or individuals involved.

acting in concert

Emphasizes the coordinated action or collaboration, shifting the focus from literal movement to concerted effort.

performing in coordination

Focuses on the execution of a task with organized and synchronized effort.

in perfect synchrony

Emphasizes the exactness and precision of the coordinated timing.

operating in harmony

Emphasizes the smooth and agreeable nature of the coordinated action.

acting as one

Highlights the unity and singularity of purpose in the action.

working in alignment

Shifts the focus from physical movement to the alignment of goals or strategies.

acting in agreement

Highlights the consensus and shared understanding behind the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "moving in unison" to describe actions or movements that are precisely synchronized. For example: The dancers on stage were "moving in unison", creating a visually stunning performance.

What phrases are similar to "moving in unison"?

Alternatives to "moving in unison" include "acting in concert", "synchronized movement", or "coordinated motion". Each emphasizes different aspects of the coordinated action.

Is it correct to say 'move in unison' instead of "moving in unison"?

Both 'move in unison' and "moving in unison" are grammatically correct, but they function differently. 'Move in unison' is often used as an instruction or suggestion, while "moving in unison" is descriptive. For instance, 'The choreographer instructed them to move in unison', versus 'The dancers are "moving in unison"'.

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

"Moving in unison" is particularly appropriate when describing coordinated actions in dance, sports, military drills, or any situation where precise synchronization is key. It implies a high degree of coordination and control.