to align oneself with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to align oneself with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing agreement or support for a particular idea, group, or cause. Example: "In order to foster collaboration, it is essential to align oneself with the values of the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

By the 20th century, to use metalpoint was to align oneself with a most exacting tradition.

The Guardian - Arts

One way to be desirable to men may be to align oneself with their interests in the hope they might protect you.

The Guardian - Opinion

Last year, before Richard Spencer's burst of viral fame, it was still possible to align oneself with the alt-right without ever having encountered Spencer or his ideas.

The New Yorker

Free jazz, funk and noise-rock were outré departures then, and to align oneself with any of them, never mind all of them, was a self-marginalizing act.

The New York Times - Arts

This seems, to me, to be an unspoken but profound hindrance to all popular rebellions: if a person reads the right authors, and buys the right records, and vouches for those preferences loudly and repeatedly, it can feel like all the necessary work has been done to align oneself with the proper causes.

The New Yorker

Alluding to this distinction, Max Weber suggested that what marks out the charismatic leader is the ability to align oneself with the sacred: to capture a group of congregants' imagination so entirely that they associate the leader's persona – his very being – with the epitome of what they most cherish about life in general.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

To do this correctly you must align oneself with the highest energy field possible: "Divine Love".

Huffington Post

In particular, one cannot help aligning oneself with Edith's nine-year-old son, Robert Pretty.

The Guardian - Books

I want to align compensation with performance".

The New York Times

They want to align salaries with productivity.

BBC

"If I align with a brand, it needs to align with my values".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to align oneself with", ensure that the subject clearly benefits from the alignment, such as gaining support, resources, or credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "to align oneself with" in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "to agree with" or "to support" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to align oneself with" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically introduces a clause expressing agreement, support, or affiliation. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Huffington Post

20%

The Guardian

15%

Less common in

BBC

5%

The New Yorker

5%

WikiHow

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to align oneself with" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates agreement, support, or affiliation with a particular entity, ideology, or cause. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for written English and is commonly found in news and media contexts. While not overly formal, it is best used in neutral to professional settings. When using the expression, ensure that the alignment benefits the subject and avoid overuse in casual conversation. Alternatives include "to associate oneself with", "to side with", and "to support". Ludwig's analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, context, and potential alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to associate oneself with

Focuses more on the act of associating or connecting with something.

to side with

Emphasizes taking a particular side in a disagreement or conflict.

to support

Highlights the act of providing assistance or approval.

to identify with

Indicates a feeling of connection or understanding with someone or something.

to affiliate oneself with

Suggests a more formal or official connection or membership.

to unite with

Implies joining together for a common purpose or goal.

to stand with

Emphasizes solidarity and public support.

to throw in with

An informal expression suggesting joining a group or cause.

to rally around

Suggests gathering support for a particular cause or person.

to subscribe to

Implies agreement with a particular belief or ideology.

FAQs

What does it mean "to align oneself with" something?

It means to publicly show your support and agree with specific causes, ideas, or groups.

How can I use "to align oneself with" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone who publicly supports and believes in something. For example: "The politician chose to align oneself with the environmental movement."

What are some alternatives to "to align oneself with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to associate oneself with", "to side with", or "to support", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to align oneself with" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral to formal. In more casual conversation simpler terms are often preferred, while it remains suitable for news, opinion pieces, and formal writing.