to be in step with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be in step with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing alignment or agreement with someone or something, often in terms of ideas, actions, or trends. Example: "The company aims to be in step with the latest technological advancements to remain competitive in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"As a politician, you want to be in step with your constituents, but never behind them".

The New York Times

Radical political thought and radical art seemed to be in step with each other as never before, or since.

The New York Times - Arts

I am big on lists and scheduling, so my diary has to be in step with that.

The Guardian

In some ways the church needs to be in step with wider society because unless we are speaking the language of people around us, we won't be understood.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is personally conservative but tempers it to be in step with the moderate politics of his district and the Republican conference in the Senate.

The New York Times

But up until recently Ofsted and its chief inspector, Michael Wilshaw, one-time head of the renowned Mossbourne Academy in Hackney, have tended to be in step with the government.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Merchandising needs to be in-step with marketing, marketing and tech need to be aligned, and online-offline lines need to be connected.

Forbes

This seems to betray a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose of public consultation, which is not to rubber stamp scientific proposals but to judge whether they are "in step with the mainstream of public opinion".

The Guardian - Opinion

Rarely was Mr. Mars out in front alone, typically preferring to be in lock step with some or all of his band members who moved with far more enthusiasm and pluck than he.

The New York Times - Arts

The Senate Select Intelligence Committee seems to be in lock step with DNI McConnell - even though it is led by Democratic Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV).

Huffington Post

Every two years, Congress requires the FCC to review its ownership rules, to make sure they are in step with a technologically changing marketplace, in which cable and the Internet offer consumers more choices for news and information.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be in step with" to convey that an entity is adapting or aligning itself with current trends, opinions, or practices to maintain relevance or effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "to be in step with" when describing complete agreement or identical actions; it suggests alignment and adaptation, not necessarily perfect synchronization. For complete agreement, consider phrases like "to be in complete agreement" or "to be of one mind".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be in step with" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb to indicate alignment, agreement, or conformity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It describes the state of being synchronized or aligned with something else, whether it's a trend, an idea, or a group.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be in step with" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe alignment or agreement with current trends, opinions, or practices. As Ludwig confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of adaptation and relevance. While alternatives like ""to be aligned with"" or "to be in sync with" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance desired. Use this phrase to emphasize a proactive effort to remain current and relevant in a dynamic environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be in line with

Suggests being in accordance with a plan, rule, or expectation.

to be in sync with

Suggests a harmonious or synchronized relationship.

to be in agreement with

Highlights the act of sharing the same opinion or feeling.

to be aligned with

Indicates agreement or support, emphasizing a structured arrangement.

to be consistent with

Emphasizes the absence of contradictions or discrepancies.

to be in accordance with

Implies conformity to a rule, standard, or principle.

to be in harmony with

Highlights a pleasant or agreeable relationship.

to be attuned to

Implies a sensitivity and responsiveness to something.

to be compatible with

Focuses on the ability to coexist or function together effectively.

to conform to

Focuses on adhering to established norms or standards.

FAQs

What does "to be in step with" mean?

The phrase "to be in step with" means to be aligned, in agreement, or up-to-date with current trends, ideas, or practices. It suggests adapting to or following what's popular or accepted.

How can I use "to be in step with" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone or something that is conforming to current standards. For example, "The company aims "to be aligned with" industry best practices".

What are some alternatives to "to be in step with"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""to be aligned with"", "to be in sync with", or "to be in accordance with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to be in line with" or "to be in step with"?

Both phrases are similar, but "to be in line with" often implies adhering to a specific rule or guideline, while "to be in step with" suggests adapting to broader trends or popular opinions. The best choice depends on the context.