synchronise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "synchronise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of coordinating or matching events, processes, or data to occur at the same time or in harmony. Example: "We need to synchronise our schedules to ensure everyone can attend the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

…but hurry up and wait for music sync The record labels don't seem to have quite got this tied up over here: we want to be able to synchronise our purchased music (at least – and all our music, actually) across phones.

The Guardian - Tech

This, as well as efforts to synchronise data between the tax service and the customs, is a small step in the right direction.Straightening out customs would be the ultimate test of Mr Gutiérrez's self-declared war on corruption and bureaucracy.

The Economist

Mobiles are becoming tools to help people synchronise their different on- and off-line networks, says John Delaney of IDC.

The Economist

Mr Arsham considered this work for a decade before it finally came together this year with the help of Andy Cavatorta, an MIT-educated roboticist, who wrote the software to synchronise the score, lighting and four industrial blowers.

The Economist

Among other things, its signals are used to synchronise the clocks in mobile-phone base stations, steer combine harvesters and keep oil platforms in position.Technology Quarterly A shapely future for circuits Rocks on the menu Caught in a BEAR hug Do Not Attempt to steal Beam it up Towering beauty?

The Economist

"We have to synchronise infrastructure and renewables", by allowing new wind and solar projects only where the grid can take delivery of what they produce, says Stephan Kohler, head of the German Energy Agency.

The Economist

This mesh will make sure, for instance, that devices automatically synchronise important files, such as an address book, and that one device can control the others.

The Economist

The watches can also display alerts from Microsoft's instant-messaging service, and can synchronise calendars with a PC.

The Economist

New BMWs can even synchronise with Apple's iPhone, and download maps and directions from Google while you drive.The steady conversion of engineering into yet another knowledge-based industry forces the pace.

The Economist

Several hundred new mobile phones are launched every year in China, and customers there now expect their new BMWs to be able to synchronise perfectly with each new handset, he sighs.New competitors are emerging from unexpected quarters, which makes things difficult for established firms.

The Economist

So to tease apart cause and effect, Dr Laurent, together with Mark Stopfer, who also works at Caltech, disrupted brain waves to see whether the disruption altered perception.Dr Laurent's group had previously shown that when a locust responds to different smells, different subsets of nerve cells in its brain are activated, and soon begin to synchronise their signals.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, ensure that when you use "synchronise", you clearly define what elements are being brought into coordination to avoid ambiguity. State the specific aspects being synchronised, such as data, processes, or timelines, for clarity.

Common error

Avoid automatically correcting "synchronise" to "synchronize" or vice versa without considering the intended audience. Be consistent with the spelling conventions of your target demographic or the specific style guide being followed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "synchronise" is as a verb. It describes the action of causing things to occur or operate at the same time or rate. Ludwig shows many examples from news sources where it denotes coordinating schedules or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "synchronise" is a grammatically correct verb primarily used to describe the act of coordinating events or data to occur simultaneously. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the term is widely accepted and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While "synchronise" is the preferred spelling in British English, it is essential to remember that "synchronize" is more common in American English. Be mindful of your target audience and maintain consistency in spelling to avoid confusion. Alternatives include "coordinate", "harmonise", and "align", each with slight nuances in meaning. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use the word "synchronise" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

synchronize

This is the standard American English spelling. It is perfectly interchangeable with "synchronise".

coordinate

Focuses on arranging or organizing elements to work together efficiently. It's less specific about timing than "synchronise".

harmonise

Implies creating agreement or compatibility, often in a less precise or technical context than "synchronise".

align

Suggests bringing elements into a line or agreement. It is less about timing and more about shared direction or purpose.

match

Implies making things similar or identical, often in features or characteristics, rather than timing.

calibrate

Focuses on adjusting instruments or settings for accurate and coordinated measurement or action.

attune

Implies bringing into harmony or agreement, often in a sensitive or perceptive way.

integrate

Focuses on combining elements into a unified whole, which may or may not involve precise timing.

mesh

Suggests interlocking or fitting together closely, like gears, often used to describe the interaction of systems or processes.

unify

Implies bringing diverse elements together into a single, cohesive entity. It is less about timing and more about oneness.

FAQs

What's the difference between "synchronise" and "synchronize"?

The only difference between "synchronise" and "synchronize" is the spelling. "Synchronise" is the preferred spelling in British English, while "synchronize" is the standard spelling in American English. Both words have the same meaning.

How do I use "synchronise" in a sentence?

You can use "synchronise" to describe the process of coordinating events or data. For example, "We need to synchronise our calendars" or "The dancers synchronise their movements perfectly."

When should I use "synchronise" over "coordinate"?

Use "synchronise" when you want to emphasize the precise timing and alignment of events. Use "coordinate" when you want to focus on the overall arrangement and organization, where timing is less critical.

What are some alternatives to "synchronise"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "harmonise", "align", or "coordinate". Each alternative has a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.