tandem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tandem" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe two or more things working together or in conjunction with each other. Example: "The two companies are working in tandem to develop a new product that will benefit both of their markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maillot's personal drive, in tandem with the princess's support, has made Monaco an exceptional home for dancers, as well as a destination for audiences, who come from as far as Marseilles and Milan.

The Guardian

He said as recently as last week that he would support a pathway to citizenship only in tandem with stricter immigration enforcement measures.

The Guardian

That idea of an "indie" band using the tropes and techniques of R&B, the stuttering rhythms and itchy glitchiness of 2step, in tandem with a proper pop song bright enough to light up the charts – you'd think bands would have been queuing up to do that.

The Guardian - Music

When I was 14, my father took me on a tandem bicycle trip across the mountains.

The Guardian - Books

I was preemptively disappointed, setting out on the tandem for the mauve shadow of the hills, to know that I would in all likelihood see no newborn calves, that our adventure would have a different character to the adventure undertaken by my brother and my father.

The Guardian - Books

This worked in tandem with high-street action, which saw volunteers in six countries campaigning outside Burberry stores.

The Guardian

But 'affective computing' companies, such as the US firm Affectiva, have mooted that their software could be used in tandem with Dubai's extensive CCTV network to measure the moods expressed on people's faces.

The Guardian

Pichai explained that the Titan drones and Google's balloons would work in tandem, but that drones were easier to put into place and keep in a targeted area.

The Guardian - Tech

We rode around town on two tandem bicycles and one single (a source of considerable embarrassment to me at the time) and at weekends we would occasionally rent a car in order to drive into the alps, and go hiking.

The Guardian - Books

"All this must take place in tandem with, and at the same pace as, the settlement for Scotland".

The Guardian

The combined heritage and influence of the partners ensures Pangaea is uniquely positioned to offer brands trusted and influential advertising environments, in tandem with the alliance's innovative audience targeting.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or sequence, ensure the use of "tandem" accurately reflects the simultaneous or closely coordinated nature of the activities involved.

Common error

Avoid using "tandem" when the actions or entities are merely related but not directly coordinated. Use terms like "associated" or "connected" for weaker relationships.

Linguistic Context

The word "tandem" functions as an adjective, noun, or adverb, commonly used to describe arrangements or actions involving two or more elements working together or positioned one behind the other. Ludwig AI confirms its validity through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "tandem" is a versatile word functioning as an adjective, noun, or adverb to denote coordinated or sequential action, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. With a neutral register, it's suitable for professional and general communication. It's frequently found in news, business, and scientific contexts, emphasizing combined efforts or sequential arrangements. For alternative phrasing, consider "in collaboration" or "jointly", depending on the specific nuance required. Remember, "tandem" should only be used when the elements involved are genuinely coordinated or directly linked, avoiding its use for merely associated items.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in collaboration

Emphasizes the cooperative aspect, highlighting that actions are performed jointly.

in conjunction

Highlights that actions or events occur together, often implying a causal relationship.

in partnership

Suggests a formal or agreed-upon collaboration for a shared goal.

in coordination

Focuses on the organized aspect of working together to achieve a common objective.

jointly

A simpler term indicating that something is done together by two or more parties.

sequentially

Indicates a specific order or sequence in which events or actions occur, one after the other.

successively

Implies a series of events or actions, each following the previous one in order.

one after the other

A literal description of sequential arrangement or action.

side by side

Highlights that things are located or happening next to each other, often implying simultaneous action.

in association

Indicates a connection or relationship between entities, though not necessarily active collaboration.

FAQs

How is "tandem" typically used in a sentence?

The word "tandem" can function as a noun, adverb, or adjective. It often describes two or more entities working together or arranged one behind the other. For example, 'They worked in "in tandem"' or 'a tandem bicycle'.

What are some alternatives to using "in tandem"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in collaboration", "in conjunction", or "jointly" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "work in tandem with"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "work in tandem with" is commonly used to describe working together closely with someone or something to achieve a common goal.

What is the difference between "tandem" and "simultaneous"?

"Tandem" implies working together or one behind the other, while "simultaneous" refers to occurring at the same time. They are not always interchangeable; "tandem" emphasizes collaboration or sequence, not just timing.