a colleague

USAGE SUMMARY

"a colleague" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used anytime you want to refer to a person you work with or who is a member of the same profession or workplace as you. Example: I am happy to announce that I have been paired with a colleague from our New York office to work on this project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He called a colleague.

The New York Times

Then a colleague followed.

The New York Times

A colleague appeared.

The New Yorker

It's from a colleague.

The New Yorker

"He's a colleague," I said.

The New Yorker

Mr. Li sent a colleague.

The New York Times

A colleague suggested Mr. Silver.

The New York Times

"That's Berlin," a colleague snipes.

The New York Times

"The abyss?" a colleague offered.

The New Yorker

He was a colleague, friend and mentor.

Independent

A colleague had recently gone to Russia.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a formal context, consider pairing "a colleague" with specific attributes or roles. For instance, "a research colleague" or "a senior colleague" adds clarity and precision to the reference.

Common error

Avoid using "a colleague" in casual or informal settings where terms like "friend", "acquaintance", or "classmate" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language in informal contexts can seem unnatural or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a colleague" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a colleague" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to someone you work with or share a profession with, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently encountered in news, media, and scientific contexts, often implying professional respect. Alternatives include "a coworker", "a fellow worker", and "an associate". While versatile, it's best used in professional or neutral settings to maintain an appropriate level of formality. Avoid using "a colleague" in casual conversations, as this term is considered more formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a coworker

Specifies someone who works in the same place, emphasizing the shared work environment.

a fellow professional

Highlights membership in the same profession, emphasizing expertise and ethical standards.

a fellow worker

Highlights the shared aspect of being employed or engaged in similar labor.

an associate

Suggests a professional connection, often implying a business relationship.

a collaborator

Emphasizes joint effort and teamwork towards a common goal.

a member of staff

Denotes a person who belongs to a certain staff in a specific company.

a peer

Refers to someone at a similar rank or status in the same profession or field.

a teammate

Denotes someone working together on a specific project or within a team structure.

a partner

Indicates a formal business association, usually involving shared ownership or responsibilities.

an acquaintance

Refers to someone known casually, without necessarily involving a professional or work-related connection.

FAQs

How can I use "a colleague" in a sentence?

You can use "a colleague" to refer to someone you work with. For example, "I discussed the project with "a colleague" in the marketing department."

What's the difference between "a colleague" and "a coworker"?

While both terms refer to people you work with, ""a colleague"" often implies a higher level of professional respect or shared expertise, while "a coworker" is a more general term for anyone who works in the same place.

What can I say instead of "a colleague"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "an associate", "a fellow worker", "a peer", or "a collaborator".

Is it appropriate to use "a colleague" in a non-professional setting?

Generally, ""a colleague"" is best used in professional or formal contexts. In non-professional settings, terms like "friend" or "acquaintance" are more suitable.