to be cohesive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be cohesive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the quality of being unified or forming a whole, often in the context of writing, ideas, or groups. Example: "For the presentation to be effective, all the slides need to be cohesive and support the main message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Everyone else is assumed to be cohesive enough without the government's help.

The Guardian

Teams need to be cohesive to work together, sports sociologists noted.

The New York Times

The Knicks have to be cohesive and competitive before they can be great.

The New York Times - Sports

Europe, in particular, will have to be cohesive from the start.

The New York Times

That is a very clear example of where funding cuts have caused increased divisions in communities you would hope to be cohesive".

The Guardian

America has to be cohesive, and band together.' We were worried that nobody had the stomach for a movie about bad Americans anymore".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

In addition to being cohesive, it is considered that a text must be coherent at the ideational level (Bamberg, 1984; Carrell 1982; Lee, 2002).

Language Testing in Asia

It has been suggested that the initiation of swallowing relies to some extent on a particle size threshold; however, the ready-to-swallow bolus must also be cohesive to prevent particles getting into the airways.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

By now the collective should be cohesive enough to make the old and new material feel like part of the same searching impulse.

The New York Times

There needed to be something cohesive.

The New York Times - Arts

Not many societies have managed to be as cohesive as ours, while being so diverse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a "cohesive" narrative or plan, ensure that each component logically follows the previous one, maintaining a consistent theme or goal throughout.

Common error

Avoid making all elements identical in the pursuit of cohesion. True cohesion appreciates variety and uniqueness while still maintaining a unified theme or purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be cohesive" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to describe a desired state of unity or integration. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from team dynamics to narrative structure, indicating its versatility in expressing the need for a unified whole.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be cohesive" signifies the state of different elements forming a unified and integrated whole. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it's a common expression found across news media, science, and wiki sources. When aiming for better writing, remember that while cohesion seeks to create a unified whole, it should not stifle the diversity of individual components. Alternatives such as "to be unified" or "to be integrated" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be coherent

Emphasizes logical consistency and clarity in presentation or structure, focusing on how well something makes sense.

to be unified

Highlights the state of being brought together into a single entity or group.

to be integrated

Focuses on the combination of different elements into a functional whole, emphasizing the interlinking of parts.

to be consistent

Suggests a stable and unchanging quality, where elements do not contradict each other.

to be harmonious

Implies a pleasing or congruent arrangement of elements, focusing on aesthetic or functional compatibility.

to be consolidated

Focuses on strengthening or reinforcing a position or structure by combining elements.

to be amalgamated

Describes the process of merging separate entities into a single body.

to be synthesized

Highlights the combination of different elements to create something new and unified.

to be synchronized

Focuses on aligning elements in time or operation to achieve a coordinated effect.

to be symbiotic

Suggests a mutually beneficial relationship where different elements support each other.

FAQs

How can I use "to be cohesive" in a sentence?

You can use "to be cohesive" when you want to describe the state of different parts forming a unified whole. For instance, "For the project to succeed, the team needs "to be cohesive" and work together effectively."

What's the difference between "to be coherent" and "to be cohesive"?

"To be coherent" refers to logical consistency and clarity, particularly in arguments or narratives. "To be cohesive", on the other hand, refers to the state of different parts forming a unified whole. While related, coherence focuses on logical sense, and cohesion focuses on unity.

What can I say instead of "to be cohesive"?

You can use alternatives like "to be unified", "to be integrated", or "to be harmonious" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary for a group "to be cohesive"?

While cohesion can be beneficial, it's not always necessary or desirable. In some situations, diverse perspectives and independent actions may be more effective than strict unity. The need ""to be cohesive"" depends on the specific goals and context.