work in lockstep

USAGE SUMMARY

'work in lockstep' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe how two or more people or organizations are working closely together in a coordinated way. For example, you can say, "All departments in the company are working in lockstep to ensure the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

She might be our heroine, yet her liberation and her corruption work in lockstep.

The New Yorker

Belgian and French jihadists work in lockstep as comrades in the eyes of Isis.

The Guardian - Opinion

After that, Math, Altria and RAI appeared to work in lockstep.

The Guardian - Business

"We are going to be sure that we work in lockstep as we proceed to try to solve this — hopefully diplomatically".

The New York Times

The pair indicated that they would be putting themselves forward as a joint ticket, with Eagle saying she would work in "lockstep" with the former shadow work and pensions secretary.

The Guardian

The only way now to slow his march into Ukraine, she suggests, is for America to work in lockstep with Europe, preventing Mr Putin from exploiting Western divisions.Kurt Volker, a former American ambassador to NATO, wishes that America had worked with Europe years ago to make Ukraine's oligarch-infested energy sector more transparent.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The centre works in lockstep with the South African government and provides advice, expertise and training to Hlabisa district hospital and 17 associated primary care clinics.

The Guardian

"But they were all still working in lockstep," he said, adding that ideally "you would have students all working at their own pace," helping each other in class and online, allowing the teachers to use class time far more effectively.

The New York Times

As before, the police, the public prosecution service, the courts and the state-owned or -influenced media are again working in lockstep to silence or discredit the regime's critics.

The Economist

Bob originally worked for a wine distributor but was fed up with the three-tier sales system, which involved producers, distributors, and retailers all working in lockstep.

TechCrunch

So I'm now making sure all the departments have the tools they need to be effective, working in lockstep to help grow the company.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work in lockstep" to emphasize a high degree of coordination and synchronization between individuals or groups, especially when precision and alignment are critical for success.

Common error

Avoid using "work in lockstep" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase carries a sense of formality and rigidity that may sound out of place in less structured settings. Consider using phrases like "collaborate closely" or "work together" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work in lockstep" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a specific manner of performing a task. It describes the way individuals or groups collaborate, emphasizing synchronized and coordinated action, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work in lockstep" describes a closely coordinated and synchronized method of collaboration. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal and professional contexts. While the phrase is not very common, when used, it emphasizes the importance of aligned actions, as seen in news, business, and scientific sources. Alternatives like "collaborate closely" or "act in concert" can be used in more informal settings. Use "work in lockstep" when precision and alignment are critical; however, avoid overusing it in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collaborate closely

Focuses on the collaborative aspect, omitting the rigid coordination implied by "lockstep".

coordinate efforts

Emphasizes the coordination aspect, without necessarily implying strict synchronization.

act in concert

Suggests a harmonious and unified action, often used in more formal contexts.

operate in unison

Highlights the synchronized nature of the action, similar to "lockstep".

work hand in glove

Emphasizes the close and seamless nature of the collaboration.

function as a team

Broader term focusing on teamwork, without specifying the degree of coordination.

move in sync

Highlights the synchronized motion or action, applicable in various contexts.

pull together

Emphasizes the collective effort towards a common goal.

align strategies

Focuses on the alignment of plans and approaches, rather than the execution itself.

partner effectively

Highlights the partnership aspect, focusing on the effectiveness of the collaboration.

FAQs

What does it mean to "work in lockstep"?

To "work in lockstep" means to operate in a closely coordinated and synchronized manner, with everyone following the same steps or procedures. It implies a high degree of alignment and precision in actions.

How can I use "work in lockstep" in a sentence?

You can use "work in lockstep" to describe how different teams or departments "coordinate efforts", as in "The marketing and sales teams must work in lockstep to achieve the quarterly goals."

What are some alternatives to "work in lockstep"?

Alternatives include "collaborate closely", "act in concert", or "operate in unison". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "work in lockstep" in all situations?

While grammatically correct, "work in lockstep" is best suited for formal or professional contexts where a high degree of coordination is required. In more informal settings, simpler terms like "work together" might be more appropriate.