pulling in the same direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pulling in the same direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or groups are working together towards a common goal or objective. Example: "In order to achieve our project goals, we need everyone on the team pulling in the same direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You have to walk pulling in the same direction.

The Guardian

Ciobo said the government was "pulling in the same direction".

The Guardian

Scouting, player development — everybody's pulling in the same direction.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think we're pulling in the same direction.

The New York Times - Sports

All sides, above all else, must start pulling in the same direction.

The Guardian - Sport

It assumes that government is one homogeneous organism pulling in the same direction.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm trying to get everybody involved, pulling in the same direction to achieve our targets".

The Guardian - Sport

Everybody was pulling in the same direction to get this team back on its feet.

The Guardian - Sport

We're all big boys and we're pulling in the same direction.

The Guardian - Sport

It takes some good coaching to get everybody pulling in the same direction.

The Guardian - Sport

Third, realign incentives so that everyone's pulling in the same direction.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing teamwork and shared goals, use "pulling in the same direction" to illustrate the importance of unified effort. It adds a visual metaphor to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pulling in the same direction" when describing situations where individuals are merely coexisting without a shared objective. The phrase implies active collaboration and a common purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pulling in the same direction" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where individuals or groups are working together harmoniously towards a shared objective. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pulling in the same direction" is a grammatically sound and very common idiom used to illustrate unified effort towards a shared objective. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is well-regarded and accepted in the English language. It's predominantly found in news, business, and general contexts, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration. When writing, use this phrase to highlight the importance of coordinated action, but ensure the context genuinely reflects a shared goal, avoiding scenarios of mere coexistence. Related phrases such as "working towards a common goal" and "acting in unison" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving in the same direction

This is a literal interpretation of the original metaphor and conveys a similar sense of coordinated progress.

working towards a common goal

This alternative highlights the shared objective, focusing on the action of working together, and it's more direct than the idiomatic nature of the original phrase.

collaborating effectively

This focuses on the quality of the collaboration and is more suitable when the manner of working together is important.

acting in unison

Emphasizes the coordinated nature of the effort, suggesting a more synchronized approach.

in alignment

This phrase underscores the agreement and shared vision among the parties involved, implying a strategic fit.

on the same page

This is an informal expression denoting agreement and understanding, and focuses on a shared perspective.

operating in harmony

Suggests a smooth and efficient interaction, highlighting the absence of conflict or friction.

united in purpose

Stresses the shared objective and the collective commitment to achieving it.

working as a team

Focuses on the collective effort and interdependence of the individuals involved.

cooperating towards a shared objective

This focuses on mutual assistance and collaborative effort towards a common aim.

FAQs

How can I use "pulling in the same direction" in a sentence?

You can use "pulling in the same direction" to describe situations where individuals or groups are working together towards a common goal, such as: "For this project to succeed, we need everyone "pulling in the same direction"".

What is a similar phrase to "pulling in the same direction"?

Alternatives to "pulling in the same direction" include phrases like "working towards a common goal", "collaborating effectively", or "acting in unison", which all convey the idea of coordinated effort.

Is it correct to say "pushing in the same direction" instead of "pulling in the same direction"?

While "pushing in the same direction" is understandable, ""pulling in the same direction"" is the more established and commonly used idiom to express unified effort towards a common goal.

In what contexts is "pulling in the same direction" most appropriate?

"Pulling in the same direction" is particularly suitable in contexts where teamwork, cooperation, and alignment are crucial, such as in sports, business, or organizational settings. It emphasizes the need for everyone to contribute harmoniously to achieve success.