sync up

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal phrasal verb which means to arrange something so that it happens at the same time or in the same way as something else. For example: "We need to sync up our schedules so that we can meet for lunch".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We'd never sync up".

The New York Times - Magazine

The walk doesn't sync up with the talk.

The New Yorker

how the organ doesn't sync up with the beat.

The New York Times - Arts

They also sync up, however, with Western abstraction, monochrome painting and midcentury Minimalism.

The New York Times

The glasses sync up with the image, alternately darkening over one eye.

The New York Times - Tech

The next wave of rulings ought to sync up the law with the real world.

The New York Times

Does his or her image sync up with our product's desired image?

The New York Times - Magazine

Ford Sync lets you sync up to apps, reading your Twitter feeds to you.

The New York Times

It hadn't been properly directed and set up, so when we tried to sync up the sound and the pictures, it just wouldn't sync up".

The New York Times

Brands should never assume that social and TV audiences will automatically sync up.

The Guardian

"We just sync up, and then go and do what needs to be done".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sync up" when you want to emphasize the coordination or alignment of two or more things, whether they are schedules, data, or ideas. It's best suited for informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "sync up" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "coordinate", "synchronize", or "align" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sync up" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating an action of coordination or synchronization. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from scheduling meetings to aligning data. The phrase is flexible and commonly used in everyday communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Tech

28%

Informal

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sync up" is a versatile phrasal verb primarily used to indicate coordination or synchronization. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media and Tech contexts. While suitable for informal settings, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "coordinate" or "synchronize" in professional or academic writing. As a very common expression, understanding its appropriate context ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

synchronize

Emphasizes timing and occurring at the same rate or time.

coordinate schedules

Specifically refers to aligning timetables.

coordinate

Focuses on the act of bringing different elements into a common action or movement.

align

Highlights the arrangement of things in a line or in a similar direction, or in agreement.

bring into alignment

Highlights the process of adjusting to achieve agreement or conformity.

harmonize

Implies creating agreement or accord, often in terms of ideas or actions.

get on the same page

An idiomatic expression referring to reaching a mutual understanding.

mesh

Suggests a close and harmonious relationship or interaction.

interface

Refers to how different systems interact in a coordinated manner.

integrate

Focuses on combining separate elements into a unified whole.

FAQs

How can I use "sync up" in a sentence?

You can use "sync up" to describe coordinating schedules, aligning data, or harmonizing efforts. For example, "Let's "coordinate" our calendars to "sync up" our meetings".

What are some alternatives to "sync up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "coordinate", "synchronize", "align", or "harmonize".

Is it appropriate to use "sync up" in professional emails?

While "sync up" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for internal communications or less formal settings. For external or formal communications, consider using more professional alternatives like "coordinate" or "synchronize".

What does it mean to "sync up" data?

To "sync up" data means to "synchronize" it across different devices or systems, ensuring that all versions are up-to-date and consistent. This is common in cloud storage, mobile devices, and software applications.