to be in sync

USAGE SUMMARY

'to be in sync' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be in agreement or to be in harmony with someone or something. For example: We need to make sure our ideas are in sync so that we can make a successful project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I expect the parents and school to be in sync.

The New York Times

He also seemed to be in sync with Malakhov.

The New York Times - Sports

"We've got to be in sync, fullbacks, tight ends, everybody working together," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

His timing has shown him to be in sync with the currents of real estate change.

The New York Times

To compete, prices, kitchen capability and service all need to be in sync.

The New York Times

In any case, it's important for the production and the artistic conception to be in sync.

The New Yorker

That seems to be in sync with other studies by the centers showing a drop in teenage pregnancy.

The New York Times

Every classroom should have Internet access and allow children to be in sync with current world and international affairs.

The New York Times

"The ANC has a good history on issues related to gender but he does not seem to be in sync.

The Guardian

Sometimes couples disagree on what they want, she said, "but they really seemed to be in sync and have similar sorts of tastes".

The New York Times

Dempsey and Donovan did not create any goals, and aside from one brief exchange against Canada, they did not seem to be in sync.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be in sync" when you want to emphasize that things are working together smoothly or that people are in agreement. For example: "The team members need "to be in sync" to complete the project successfully."

Common error

Avoid using "to be in sync" when referring to physical synchronization that requires precise timing (e.g., a machine). In such cases, use "synchronized" instead. "In sync" is better suited for describing agreement or harmonious working relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be in sync" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective or adverbial modifier. It typically describes a state of agreement, alignment, or harmony between two or more entities, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be in sync" is a versatile expression that signifies agreement, harmony, or alignment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like ""to be aligned"" or ""to be in agreement"" exist, "to be in sync" carries a specific nuance that emphasizes smooth collaboration and shared understanding. When using this phrase, ensure that the context relates to agreement or harmonious relationships, rather than precise physical timing, where "synchronized" would be more appropriate. Ludwig's examples highlight the diverse applications of this phrase, showcasing its relevance in various communicative settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be aligned

Focuses on agreement in goals or direction.

to be in agreement

Emphasizes a shared opinion or decision.

to be in harmony

Highlights a pleasant or agreeable relationship.

to be on the same wavelength

Suggests a similar way of thinking or understanding.

to be on the same page

Indicates shared information and understanding.

to be in unison

Implies simultaneous and coordinated action.

to be coordinated

Focuses on the organized effort to achieve a common goal.

to be synchronized

Emphasizes precise timing and alignment.

to be compatible

Highlights the ability to coexist harmoniously or function well together.

to be in accord

Suggests a formal agreement or harmony.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be in sync" to describe agreement, harmony, or alignment. For example: "The dancers need "to be in sync" during the performance", or "The business partners need "to be in sync" on their goals".

What does "to be in sync" mean?

"To be in sync" means "to be aligned", "to be in agreement", or "to be in harmony". It suggests that people or things are working well together or are in a state of agreement.

Which is correct, "to be in sync" or "to be in synch"?

Both "to be in sync" and "to be in synch" are acceptable, but "to be in sync" is the more common and preferred spelling. They both mean the same thing: "to be aligned" or "to be in agreement".

What's the difference between "to be in sync" and "to be synchronized"?

"To be in sync" generally refers to agreement, harmony, or alignment, whereas "to be synchronized" refers to precise timing or coordinated action. For example, "The team's goals need "to be in sync"", while "The watches need "to be synchronized"".