they align

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they align" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how two or more things correspond, match, or are in agreement with each other. Example: "The goals of the project and the company's mission statement show that they align perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They align a sequence to a multiple sequence alignment.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

They align so that the slabs make a cross.

The New York Times - Arts

Playing in galleries, they align themselves with art over pop.

The Guardian - Music

But which teams do they align themselves with?

The New York Times

Supporters of imposing strict holding periods say they align an executive's pay with a company's performance.

The New York Times

They align neatly with consumers' growing demand for traceability and transparency in the goods they buy.

The New York Times - Food

If well-designed, they align the boss's interests more closely with those of shareholders.

The Economist

Indeed, brands tend to be rewarded when they align themselves with feel-good causes.

The Economist

It is a grave disservice to the people of Zimbabwe and the region that they align themselves with despots".

The New York Times

The hardest part is positioning the pickets so they align horizontally and so they are spaced evenly apart.

The New York Times

The narratives endure because they align with the popular understanding of what it is to be an artist.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they align", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined and that the context makes their relationship evident. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they align" with highly abstract or intangible subjects without providing concrete examples of their connection. Vague applications can weaken your argument and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they align" functions as a verb phrase indicating a relationship of agreement, correspondence, or matching between multiple subjects. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in connecting elements that share similar characteristics or goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they align" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that denotes agreement, correspondence, or matching between multiple subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific publications. To ensure clarity, use "they align" with well-defined subjects and avoid overly abstract applications. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "they correspond" or "they match" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "they align" to communicate relationships of similarity and harmony in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they correspond

Emphasizes a direct relationship or similarity between two or more things.

they coincide

Suggests that two or more things happen at the same time or occupy the same space.

they agree

Indicates a consensus or harmony between two or more things.

they match

Implies that two or more things are identical or nearly identical.

they synchronize

Refers to the process of coordinating two or more things so that they operate at the same rate or time.

they are in agreement

Formally emphasizes a state of consensus between entities.

they are consistent

Highlights the uniformity and absence of contradictions.

they are parallel

Implies that two or more things are similar or analogous.

they are in accordance

Suggests a formal or legal agreement between two or more things.

they are attuned

Indicates a state of harmony or resonance between two or more things.

FAQs

How can I use "they align" in a sentence?

You can use "they align" to show that two or more things correspond, match, or are in agreement with each other. For instance, "The company's goals and the employees' values show that "they align" perfectly".

What phrases can I use instead of "they align"?

You can use alternatives like "they correspond", "they agree", or "they match" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they align with each other"?

While grammatically correct, "they align with each other" can be redundant. The phrase "they align" already implies a reciprocal relationship, so adding "with each other" is often unnecessary. Consider simply using "they align".

What's the difference between "they align" and "they are aligned"?

"They align" is an active verb phrase, suggesting an action of coming into agreement or correspondence. "They are aligned" is a passive form, indicating a state of being in agreement or correspondence. Use "they align" when you want to emphasize the process, and "they are aligned" when you want to emphasize the resulting state.