Dear associates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Dear associates" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a formal greeting in business correspondence or communication directed towards a group of colleagues or team members. Example: "Dear associates, I hope this message finds you well as we embark on our new project together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dear Associate, Today we are excited to announce the launch of a new feature called Share on Twitter.

TechCrunch

Dear, dear, dear.

Independent

After a chance meeting, Jackie and Brett are on their way to the altar, and they want to share their good fortune with their dearest associates.

The New York Times

Dear companion.

The New York Times

Linda is survived by her sister Martha Dunlap, brothers Edsel and Lloyed Lindsay, son Steve along with many nephews and nieces, godchildren, dear friends, associates and neighbors.

The New York Times

Larijani's unusually conciliatory words regarding his two "dear" former political associates raise questions regarding the country's political future: Will the new year bring new concessions for the country's opposition groups?

The Guardian

Mill and Sidgwick thought that our knowledge of others and our causal powers to do good were limited to those near and dear and other associates with whom we have regular contact, with the result that as individuals we do better overall by focusing our energies and actions on associates of one kind or another, rather than the world at large (U II 19; Sidgwick, Methods 361 69).

SEP

Stockbroker, dear friend and associate of many.

The New York Times

LEFKOW--Peter, M.D. My dear friend, colleague, associate and personal physician.

The New York Times

KGW Associates mourns the passing of our very dear friend and associate Marvin Paige.

The New York Times

With shock and disbelief, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Susan, the children and family of our dear friend and associate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the communication that follows is professional and respectful, aligning with the formal tone set by the greeting.

Common error

Avoid using "dear associates" in casual, internal communications or informal settings. Opt for greetings like "Hi team" or "Hello everyone" to maintain a more relaxed and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dear associates" functions as a salutation, typically used to begin a formal letter or email. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a polite and respectful way to address a group of colleagues or business contacts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dear associates" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase in professional communications. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability as a formal greeting. It’s particularly common in news media, formal business contexts, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, be mindful of the setting to ensure the tone aligns with the overall message. For less formal scenarios, consider alternatives such as "hi team" or "hello everyone" to avoid sounding overly formal. As demonstrated by Ludwig, while the phrase is versatile across several source categories, careful attention to context is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dear team

Simplifies the greeting by using a more direct and inclusive term.

Esteemed colleagues

Replaces "dear" with a more formal adjective, suitable for professional communications.

Distinguished colleagues

Emphasizes the high regard for the recipients of the message.

Valued team members

Highlights the importance of the team, shifting focus from simple association to value.

Dear collaborators

More appropriate if addressing people working closely together on a project

Respected partners

Suitable for addressing individuals with whom one has a partnership or collaborative relationship.

Greetings associates

Replaces the "dear" with greetings, which is less personal but still professional.

To all associates

A less affectionate but equally formal way to begin communication.

Hello everyone

A more casual but inclusive greeting, suitable for internal communications.

To whom it may concern

Completely impersonal and formal, used when the specific recipients are unknown.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "dear associates"?

Use "dear associates" in professional communications, such as formal emails, memos, or letters, especially when addressing a group of colleagues or business contacts. It sets a respectful and formal tone.

What are some alternatives to "dear associates"?

Alternatives include "esteemed colleagues", "valued team members", "respected partners", or simply "dear team", depending on the context and your relationship with the recipients.

Is "dear associates" too formal for internal emails?

It can be. For internal emails, especially in more relaxed company cultures, consider using less formal greetings like "hi team" or "hello everyone".

How does "dear associates" compare to "to whom it may concern"?

"Dear associates" is more personal and assumes a known group of recipients. "To whom it may concern" is completely impersonal and used when the specific recipients are unknown, making it much less suitable when you know your audience.