amicable colleagues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "amicable colleagues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe coworkers who have a friendly and pleasant relationship with each other. Example: "The team was able to collaborate effectively because they were all amicable colleagues who respected each other's opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rather says that they are now amicable colleagues; "perfectly proper" is how Safer describes the relationship.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He told the BBC he had had "very amicable" discussions with Treasury colleagues and would be making the case "that we need to invest more in training and science and innovation and business support if we are going to get the economy going".

BBC

Most big firms, including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley in recent memory, have been forced to cope with Machiavellian maneuverings that require colleagues to choose sides and leave once amicable connections in tatters.

The New York Times

Civic Platform's amicable negotiations with its junior partner, the Peasants Partyy, contrast with Mr Kaczynski's suspension of three colleagues for advocating more open discussion in his party.The new prime minister, Donald Tusk, is mild-mannered but not overly meek.

The Economist

How amicable is too amicable?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The parting seems amicable.

The New York Times

Most have been amicable.

The Guardian - Opinion

American Amicable disputes that.

The New York Times

The couples are amicable.

The New York Times

Her divorce was amicable.

The Economist

It's been very amicable.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "amicable colleagues" in contexts where a more formal or strictly professional relationship is expected. It's best suited for environments where a degree of personal connection is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "amicable colleagues" when describing relationships in highly formal or hierarchical organizations. In such environments, emphasizing professional competence and adherence to protocol might be more appropriate than highlighting personal amiability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amicable colleagues" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It is used to characterize the nature of the relationship between coworkers, indicating a friendly and agreeable interaction. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, aligning with the provided example from The New Yorker.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Amicable colleagues" is a phrase used to describe a friendly and respectful relationship between coworkers. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in English. However, it appears relatively infrequently, primarily in news and media contexts. When choosing whether to use this phrase, consider the formality of the setting; in less formal environments, "amicable colleagues" suggests a positive and supportive atmosphere, whereas, in highly formal settings, it might be more appropriate to use terms that emphasize professional competence. Alternatives like "friendly coworkers" or "cordial colleagues" may also be suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey. In summary, "amicable colleagues" is a valid and positive descriptor, but its usage should be tailored to the specific context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

friendly coworkers

Focuses on the general friendliness between colleagues, without necessarily implying a deep level of amity.

pleasant coworkers

Similar to 'friendly coworkers', but may suggest a more superficial level of interaction.

cordial colleagues

Emphasizes politeness and formality in the relationship between colleagues.

affable teammates

Highlights the approachable and good-natured qualities of colleagues, framed within a team context.

harmonious colleagues

Highlights the lack of conflict and the smooth working relationship among colleagues.

good-natured associates

Emphasizes the positive and easygoing nature of the working relationship.

cooperative colleagues

Focuses on the collaborative aspect of the relationship, emphasizing teamwork.

collegial professionals

Highlights the professional respect and support shared between colleagues.

agreeable colleagues

Stresses the ease of reaching agreements and the lack of disagreements among colleagues.

simpatico collaborators

Suggests a strong sense of mutual understanding and shared values in a collaborative setting.

FAQs

How can I use "amicable colleagues" in a sentence?

You can use "amicable colleagues" to describe a positive and friendly relationship between coworkers, such as: "The team was able to collaborate effectively because they were all "amicable colleagues" who respected each other's opinions."

What is the difference between "amicable colleagues" and "friendly coworkers"?

"Amicable colleagues" suggests a deeper level of mutual respect and goodwill compared to "friendly coworkers", which may simply indicate a pleasant but not necessarily profound connection.

What can I say instead of "amicable colleagues"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "cordial colleagues", "harmonious colleagues", or "cooperative colleagues" to describe positive relationships between coworkers.

Is it appropriate to use "amicable colleagues" in a formal business context?

While "amicable colleagues" can be used in some business settings, it's important to consider the company culture. In more formal environments, terms like "professional associates" or "respected coworkers" might be more suitable.