read in tandem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "read in tandem" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally speaking, it is used to mean "to read together, in unison". For example, you could say: "We read in tandem, taking turns to read each page of the book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

These two books should be read in tandem.

The New York Times - Books

Dramas read in tandem with theory, live performances, and audiovisuals.

Stanford University

Ideally, Darke's new book should be read in tandem with Cullina's "Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines".

The New York Times - Books

These two books are best read in tandem, and not only because the authors knew each other.

The New York Times - Style

To be read in tandem with seeing the work, showing in the palest, shimmying technicolour at Tate Modern until October.

The Guardian - Books

The School Report and school profile are read in tandem with the transcript, and are relied upon heavily.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

There the resemblance ends, which is why their books are worth reading in tandem.

The Guardian - Books

There were performances by poets, including Holly Anderson, reading in tandem with Chris Brokaw, who had also created a soundtrack.

The New York Times - Arts

The notion that youngsters can't be taught reading in tandem with learning English is preposterous.

Forbes

The Gelbs were given access to O'Neill's life and work by his widow, and the book is too cautious because of it; Sheaffer's has a greater emotional and narrative thrust, which is why I was greatly drawn to it as a teen-ager, and read it in tandem with O'Neill's imaginatively rich, sad, and heartbreaking plays.

The New Yorker

Update: You can read more in Tandem's blog post.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "read in tandem" to suggest a deliberate pairing of texts for a richer understanding. For example, use it when recommending two books that complement each other.

Common error

Avoid using "read in tandem" when you simply mean reading something together. The phrase implies a specific connection or purpose between the items being read, not just the act of reading them at the same time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "read in tandem" functions as a recommendation or suggestion for an enhanced reading experience, emphasizing the complementary nature of the reading materials. It advises that the texts should be experienced together for maximum understanding. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "read in tandem" is a grammatically correct and meaningful expression that suggests reading two or more texts together for a more comprehensive understanding. According to Ludwig, it is perfectly acceptable to use. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, especially in news, academic writing, and book reviews. Using "read in tandem" implies that the items being read are related and enhance each other. Remember, the goal is to suggest that the combined reading experience is more valuable than reading each item separately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

read together

Focuses on the act of reading at the same time or in collaboration.

read simultaneously

Emphasizes the concurrent nature of the reading activity.

read in conjunction

Highlights the connection and interplay between the texts being read.

read side by side

Suggests a comparative reading approach.

read concurrently

Similar to 'read simultaneously' but may imply a more formal or academic context.

read in parallel

Implies separate but related reading experiences that inform each other.

read as a pair

Focuses on reading two specific texts as a set.

study in combination

Broader than just reading, suggesting a deeper analysis of combined materials.

examine together

Similar to 'study in combination', implying careful scrutiny of multiple sources.

review collectively

Implies a comprehensive assessment of multiple sources, possibly after individual reading.

FAQs

How can I use "read in tandem" in a sentence?

You can use "read in tandem" to suggest reading two things together to gain a better understanding of a topic. For example: "These two books are best "read in tandem" to fully grasp the historical context."

What's an alternative to "read in tandem"?

Alternatives include phrases like "read together", "read simultaneously", or "read in conjunction" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "reading in tandem"?

Yes, "reading in tandem" is grammatically correct. It emphasizes the action of reading in a paired or simultaneous manner, often to enhance understanding or insight.

What is the difference between "read in tandem" and simply "reading together"?

"Read in tandem" suggests a deliberate pairing or connection between the texts being read. "Reading together" simply implies that people are reading at the same time, without necessarily implying a connection between the materials.