associates

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "associates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a group of people associated with one another, often in business or work. For example, "This research facility is associated with several highly esteemed associates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Senator Michaelia Cash, assisting the prime minister as minister for women, was also right when she noted in March that "in terms of feminism, I've never been someone who really associates with that movement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bin Laden and his senior associates have long struggled to make sure the disparate elements of the group and its various affiliated networks only attack targets they consider as legitimate.

The Guardian

Oh, that was Patrick O'Flynn, a Ukip MEP and one of Farage's closest associates.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I left school, I found an older set of associates, all my classmates having fled for university.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The prospect of the laws being overturned has prompted defence lawyers to seek to delay trials involving defendants who may have already spent months in solitary confinement under harsh prison conditions formerly reserved for accused bikie associates.

The Guardian

I followed people on social media and as a result widened the field to producers, artistic directors, literary associates, competitions, prizes, workshops and resources such as the BBC Writersroom and the Aerogramme Writers' Studio, and specifically for my region: Script Yorkshire and the West Yorkshire Theatre Network.

The Guardian

Burnside is a motorsport enthusiast who loves the Isle of Man TT motorbike races and is a close friend of the former Formula One champion Jackie Stewart, with whom he goes shooting, associates said.

The Guardian

Some associates – they were never called "friends" – who testified recalled he was Egyptian.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Laren Poole, another co-founder, is another filmmaker and the Ben Keesey, the chief finanacial officer, has been with Deloitte and Touche LLP, JP Morgan & Associates and Brentwood Associates Private Equity.

The Guardian

We have retained Renaissance Associates, an investigatory firm with sophisticated forensic expertise to assist in reviewing electronic and video information".

The Guardian - Sport

Charlie Methven, director of the PR firm Dragon Associates, who was managing director of New Century Media until 2011, said of Burnside: "His bark is considerably worse than his bite," adding that although "he might seem like the typical gruff Ulsterman, he is at heart a very kind man".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to "associates" in a professional context, be specific about the nature of their association. Clarify their roles, responsibilities, or connections to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "associates" as a vague term to describe individuals with unclear connections. Always specify the context or type of relationship to ensure clarity. For instance, instead of simply saying "his associates", specify "his business associates" or "his research associates".

Linguistic Context

The term "associates" primarily functions as a plural noun, referring to a group of individuals connected or affiliated with a particular organization, person, or activity. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct for this use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "associates" functions as a plural noun, commonly used to refer to individuals linked to an organization, person, or activity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its usage spans various contexts, but it is particularly frequent in news and media. When using "associates", consider specifying the nature of the relationship to avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral, be mindful of potential negative connotations in specific contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "affiliates" or "partners" may be suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

colleagues

Refers specifically to people working together in a professional setting.

partners

Implies a more formal or legal relationship, often in business.

affiliates

Suggests a formal connection or membership within a larger organization.

collaborators

Highlights the act of working together on a project or endeavor.

connections

Emphasizes the links or relationships between people or things.

contacts

Focuses on having access to people who can provide assistance or information.

acquaintances

Refers to people known casually but not closely.

companions

Suggests a social or personal bond, often implying shared activities.

allies

Implies a supportive relationship, often in the context of a shared cause.

cronies

Often used pejoratively to describe close friends or associates, suggesting favoritism.

FAQs

How can I use "associates" in a sentence?

You can use "associates" to refer to people connected to an organization or individual. For example, "The company's success is due to the hard work of its associates."

What's the difference between "associates" and "colleagues"?

"Associates" generally refers to any affiliated person, while "colleagues" specifically refers to people you work with in a professional setting.

Are there any negative connotations associated with the word "associates"?

While generally neutral, the term "associates" can sometimes carry a negative connotation if it implies involvement in illicit or questionable activities, similar to the term "cronies".

What can I say instead of "associates" to sound more formal?

Depending on the context, more formal alternatives to "associates" include "affiliates", "partners", or "members".