an associate is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an associate is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when defining or describing a person in a professional context, typically in relation to their role or position. Example: "An associate is someone who works alongside others in a collaborative environment, often contributing to team projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"The other advantage of it," Volcker joked to an associate, "is that if it doesn't fly they can throw me under the bus".

The New Yorker

There was a musical number devoted to the delight of working for Wal-Mart, with a Broadway actress singing "as associates, there is nothing we can't achieve" as dancers swirled behind her (an associate is a Wal-Mart employee).

The New York Times

"Sally is warm, she is caring, and she's not afraid to be hands-on – if an associate is ill, for example, she'll go and see the family and do the assessment herself.

The Guardian

But Rodriguez, according to an associate, is simply eager to begin playing and immensely frustrated that the Yankees, citing the quadriceps injury, left him on the disabled list over the weekend after he completed a minor league rehabilitation assignment that was supposed to put him back in pinstripes.

The New York Times - Sports

Floyd Abrams, a First Amendment lawyer and a former boss of Miss Coulter's at the New York law firm of Cahill Gordon & Reindel, where she worked as an associate, is explaining why the news media might editorialize that there was "no evidence" to conclude that there was wrongdoing in a case like Whitewater.

The New York Times - Style

Orange, the parent of Orange Digital Ventures (where DNA founder Marieme Diop is an associate), is an investor in Jumia.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

An insurgent commander and an associate were killed, but it soon became clear that civilians were also in the vehicles.

The Guardian

Aug. 13, 2016: An imam at a New York City mosque and an associate were fatally shot after afternoon prayers.

The Washington Post

John Brunini, an associate, was accused of sponsoring Ku Klux Klan participation, etc.

The New Yorker

He said he and an associate were responsible for the shooting.

The New York Times

Last February he and an associate were arrested on charges of possessing stolen auto parts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an associate is" to clearly define the role or function of a person within an organization or context. It sets a formal tone and specifies the nature of their involvement.

Common error

Avoid using "an associate is" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural phrasing like "they're a colleague" or "they work with me".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an associate is" functions as a definitional statement. It is used to introduce or clarify the meaning of the term "associate", often in the context of describing a role or position within an organization, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an associate is" functions as a definitional statement, most commonly found in news and media, academia, and formal business contexts. Its primary purpose is to explain or clarify the role of an "associate". While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is relatively uncommon; therefore, it should be used judiciously, especially avoiding overuse in informal settings. Understanding its role and appropriate contexts ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a colleague is

Replaces "associate" with a more general term for a coworker.

a partner is

Suggests a more formal or equal relationship compared to "associate".

a team member is

Highlights belonging to a working group

an employee is

Focuses on the employment aspect of the relationship.

a collaborator is

Emphasizes working together on a project.

a peer is

Emphasizes an equal standing in a particular context

a member is

Highlights belonging to a group or organization.

a fellow is

Highlights belonging to the same field or organization

an affiliate is

Indicates a formal connection or association.

an acquaintance is

Refers to someone known but not intimately.

FAQs

How can I use "an associate is" in a sentence?

You can use "an associate is" to define someone's role. For example, "An associate is someone who works within a company or organization, often in a support or collaborative role.".

What's a good alternative to "an associate is"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a colleague is", "a partner is", or "an employee is" /s/to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more formal to say "an associate is" or "a colleague is"?

"An associate is" tends to be slightly more formal and is often used in professional settings to define a specific role. "A colleague is" is a more general term for someone you work with.

When should I use "an associate is" instead of just stating the person's title?

Use "an associate is" when you need to explain or clarify the general function of the role, especially if the specific title might not be self-explanatory.