Say it like this
- Let me grab you for a quick sync call
- Can we sync call about this urgently?
- I will schedule a sync call with the team
Use it at work
Scheduling
- Can we do a quick sync call to unblock this?
- Let's have a 15-minute sync call.
Choosing
- This is too complex for Slack. Let's jump on a sync call.
- Do we need a sync call, or can we do this async?
Afterward
- Notes from the sync call are in the thread.
- Thanks for the sync call. Much clearer now.
Don't say this
Sync call refers to meetings, not technical synchronization. Use synchronize or sync for code/data operations.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| sync call | Live meeting at the same time | Teams | Urgent or complex topics |
| async | Not at the same time | Remote teams | Docs, Slack |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your team has a disagreement about the technical approach. What do you say?
2. The database migration is too risky to plan in Slack. Let us _______ with the database team right now.
3. Which sentence uses sync call incorrectly?
4. Rewrite this in natural tech English using sync call: The engineers in New York and London need to talk at the same time about the system architecture right away.
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"Let me grab you for a quick sync call"
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More about sync call
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"We discovered a critical bug in production. I think we need a sync call with the entire team to discuss the rollback plan."
- in a Slack message
"The design spec is too complex to explain in writing. Let's sync call this afternoon to align on the user flow."
- in a code review
"There are too many conflicting opinions here. Can we sync call the review team to decide on the architecture?"
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not confuse with synchronous programming. A sync call is a meeting, not a code function. Also avoid using it for asynchronous check-ins.
- ✕Let us send a sync call message to the team.✓Let's send an async message to the team.
A sync call is a real-time meeting, not a message. A message can be async or sync in nature, but we do not call messages sync calls.
- ✕I prefer sync calls because I can think more carefully.✓I prefer async communication because I can think more carefully.
Sync calls are real-time and fast-paced. If you want time to think, async is better.
Other forms(3)
- sync call noun
"We scheduled a sync call for tomorrow at 2 PM."
- to sync call / to have a sync call verb phrase
"Let us sync call about this issue before the deadline."
- sync calls (plural) noun
"We have too many sync calls on our calendar this week."
Often used with(5)
- quick sync call · A brief, short meeting to align on something fast
- schedule a sync call · To arrange or set up a synchronous meeting
- jump on a sync call · To join or start a meeting immediately
- sync call with (someone/team) · A meeting involving specific people or departments
- urgent sync call · A meeting needed right away to handle a critical issue
Similar words(4)
- synchronous meeting · More formal; sync call is the informal tech industry version
- real-time meeting · Emphasizes that everyone participates at the same time
- live meeting · General term; sync call is more specific to tech teams
- huddle · Informal; usually refers to a very quick, brief sync call
Opposites(3)
- async communication
- asynchronous update
- written communication
Questions(5)
- What does sync call mean in software engineering?
- A sync call is a real-time, synchronous meeting where team members communicate at the same time, usually to make quick decisions, resolve blockers, or align on complex topics. It is called sync because everyone is synchronized (meeting at the same time), unlike asynchronous communication where people respond when they have time.
- How do you use sync call in a sentence at work?
- You can say: Let us sync call about this issue, Can we schedule a sync call?, or I need to jump on a sync call with the team. The phrase is used both as a noun (a sync call) and as a verb phrase (to sync call).
- Is sync call formal or informal?
- Sync call is neutral to casual in tone. It is common in tech companies and startups but less common in very formal corporate environments. In formal settings, people might say synchronous meeting instead.
- When should I use a sync call instead of async communication?
- Use a sync call when you need immediate feedback, when the discussion is complex and requires real-time clarification, when a decision is urgent, or when written communication has created confusion. Use async (Slack, email) when people are in different time zones, when the topic is not urgent, or when people need time to think before responding.
- Can I use sync call for a one-on-one meeting?
- Yes, you can, though it is less common. Sync call is typically used for team meetings or group discussions. For one-on-one meetings, people usually just say meeting or call. But saying sync call is not wrong.
