to synchronize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to synchronize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of causing two or more things to operate at the same time or rate, or to make them consistent with each other. Example: "We need to synchronize our schedules to ensure that everyone can attend the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To synchronize both sub-systems, a synchronization signal was needed to set the start point.

Biomedical Optics Express

"It is a day to synchronize society".

The New Yorker

"It takes a lot of years to synchronize our movements".

The New York Times - Arts

That makes it easy to synchronize with the phone's camera.

The New York Times - Tech

The phone uses Windows Live to synchronize files with your Windows desktop.

The New York Times - Tech

WASHINGTON — Senior Republican officials have met at the White House to synchronize strategies.

The New York Times

Many families keep time both ways, unable to synchronize their watches.

The New York Times

It's always been a mystery as to how these animals manage to synchronize themselves".

The New York Times - Science

The exchange used to stay open until midnight to synchronize with the NY exchange.

The New Yorker

Communication among cells, however, allows them to synchronize so that the organism's precise rhythm is maintained.

The New York Times - Science

A lot will depend on our Web site boys to synchronize it all together".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to synchronize", ensure that the context clearly indicates what elements are being aligned, whether it's schedules, data, or movements.

Common error

Avoid using "to synchronize" when you simply mean "to connect" or "to link". Synchronization implies a specific temporal or functional alignment, not just a general association.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to synchronize" functions as an infinitive, primarily used to express the purpose or intention of an action. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates that the phrase is used to indicate actions to be completed. Examples include "to synchronize strategies" or "to synchronize movements."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to synchronize" functions as an infinitive expressing the purpose of aligning events, data, or processes, primarily to occur simultaneously or harmoniously. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various fields, notably science, news, and business. Its register ranges from neutral to formal, reflecting its applicability in diverse contexts. While "to synchronize" is frequently employed, alternatives like "to coordinate" or "to align" can offer nuanced precision depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to synchronize data

Specifically relates to making data consistent across different systems or devices.

to coordinate

Focuses on arranging actions or events in a harmonious way, often involving multiple parties or elements.

to coordinate efforts

Refers to the act of organizing activities and resources to achieve a common goal efficiently.

to align

Emphasizes bringing things into agreement or correspondence, often concerning goals or strategies.

to harmonize

Suggests creating a pleasing or balanced relationship between different elements, particularly in timing or rhythm.

to bring into phase

Highlights the process of adjusting cycles so their high and low points coincide.

to calibrate

Implies adjusting instruments or systems to ensure accuracy and consistency in timing or measurement.

to mesh

Suggests a close and harmonious interaction or union, particularly fitting together disparate parts.

to match

Focuses on making things equal, identical, or similar.

to standardize

Implies ensuring that something conforms to a standard.

FAQs

How can I use "to synchronize" in a sentence?

You can use "to synchronize" to describe aligning events in time, like "We need to "coordinate" our schedules" or aligning data, as in "The software helps "align" data across platforms."

What are some alternatives to saying "to synchronize"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "to coordinate", "to align", or "to harmonize" instead of "to synchronize".

Is it better to use "to synchronize" or "to synchronise"?

"To synchronize" and "to synchronise" are both correct; the former is more common in American English, while the latter is preferred in British English. Both mean the same thing: to cause things to occur at the same time or rate.

What's the difference between "to synchronize" and "to coordinate"?

While both involve bringing things into a harmonious state, "to synchronize" emphasizes timing and simultaneous action, while "to coordinate" focuses on organizing different elements effectively, which may not necessarily require precise timing.