out of sync

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of sync" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is out of order or happening at the wrong time. For example, "We realized our meeting agendas were out of sync, so we decided to reschedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General discussions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The quince tree was out of sync.

The New York Times

Christopher Alden's direction felt out of sync too.

The New York Times - Arts

Our bodies were out of sync with the earth.

The New York Times - Travel

Out of sync.

The New York Times - Books

— that seemed out of sync with voters.

The New York Times

A BlackBerry Out of Sync Q.

The New York Times - Tech

Mind and day are out of sync.

The New York Times

We were out of sync.

The New York Times - Sports

He seemed out of sync.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yet the out-of-sync feel remains.

The New York Times - Arts

Pronunciation off-kilter, emphasis out-of-sync.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of sync" to describe situations where timing, coordination, or agreement is lacking. This phrase is suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "out of sync" when a stronger term like "broken" or "defective" is more appropriate. "Out of sync" implies a timing or coordination issue, not necessarily a complete failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of sync" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of lacking coordination, agreement, or proper timing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "out of sync" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe a lack of coordination, agreement, or proper timing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, sports, and general discussions. While alternatives like "not synchronized" or "uncoordinated" may be suitable in certain situations, "out of sync" offers a concise and widely understood way to express misalignment. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of a lack of harmony or timing, and consider whether a stronger term might be more appropriate. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability and utility in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not synchronized

Focuses on the lack of simultaneous occurrence or operation.

not in harmony

Emphasizes a lack of agreement or pleasing combination, particularly in a figurative sense.

uncoordinated

Highlights a lack of efficient or organized movement or action.

not aligned

Indicates a deviation from a common direction or goal.

not in step

Emphasizes a lack of coordination or agreement in action or thought.

incompatible

Focuses on the inability of two or more things to exist or work together.

mismatched

Suggests a lack of suitability or correspondence between two or more things.

at odds

Implies a state of disagreement or conflict.

disjointed

Highlights a lack of coherence or smooth connection.

offbeat

Suggests something unconventional or eccentric.

FAQs

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

You can use "out of sync" to describe situations where things are not properly coordinated or aligned. For example, "The dancers were "out of sync" during the performance", or "Our project timelines are "out of sync", causing delays".

What does it mean when something is described as "out of sync"?

When something is described as "out of sync", it means that it is not functioning in harmony or coordination with something else. This could refer to timing, agreement, or alignment.

What are some alternatives to saying something is "out of sync"?

Some alternatives include "not synchronized", "uncoordinated", "incompatible", or "not aligned" depending on the specific context.

Is "out of sync" formal or informal language?

"Out of sync" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional or academic settings.