circle of associates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "circle of associates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of people who are connected or associated with one another, often in a professional or social context. Example: "In her new role, she quickly established a circle of associates who supported her initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The release of "Lost Voices" brought him a notoriety that extended, in a modest way, beyond his circle of associates.

The New Yorker

It seems inevitable that, in seeking to identify and disrupt possible terrorist threats, U.S. intelligence will rely on a suspect's circle of associates and his religious beliefs.

The New Yorker

Among the party's worst results — 33.77 percent — came from Leningrad Region, which is home to Mr. Putin and his closest circle of associates.

The New York Times

Gennady Timchenko A billionaire many times over, he is one of the circle of associates Putin brought with him from St Petersburg.

The Guardian

4. Stack the cards in your favour A few weeks into our crowdfund we learned at an RSA event that, in general, the first 30% of your invest comes from your friends and family, the next 30% is invested by your wider circle of associates and partner networks, and the final third is the "crowd".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Outside the big cities, the small Bavarian town of Weilheim in Oberbayern is the hub for cult quartet the Notwist and a self-contained circle of associated acts.

The Guardian - Music

Norm was loved and admired by a large circle of friends, associates at work, his customers, his fellow Jets fans, his golfing partners (and even his vanquished rivals) for his kindness, generosity, optimism, undying good spirits, and his sense of humor.

The New York Times

But there is also, floating around Trump, a largish circle of cronies, associates, and former aides, some of whom tend to exaggerate what they know.

The New Yorker

He added that while Mr. Maliki did have a smaller inner circle of close associates, he also had recruited many other advisers from different backgrounds.

The New York Times

After he moved to Paris, he socialized mostly with his family and, since he was a suspicious man who suffered from a mild but persistent persecution complex, with a small circle of trusted associates.

The New Yorker

He was by Mr. Weill's side from the early days in Baltimore in the mid-1980s, when the two men and a circle of other associates started to build the conglomerate that is today's Citigroup by turning around an obscure consumer finance company called Commercial Credit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a person's professional connections, use "circle of associates" to highlight their network within their industry or workplace.

Common error

The phrase "circle of associates" is generally more suitable for formal or professional contexts. In casual conversation, consider using more informal alternatives like "group of friends" or "people I know" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circle of associates" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a collection of individuals linked by a common interest, profession, or social connection. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circle of associates" is a phrase used to describe a group of individuals connected by shared interests, activities, or affiliations. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates that it appears less frequently in everyday language and is more suitable for formal or professional contexts. It is generally found in news articles, scientific papers and business documents rather than casual conversation. Related terms include "network of colleagues" and "inner circle", each carrying slightly different connotations. When writing, be mindful of the formality of "circle of associates" and opt for more casual alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

network of colleagues

Focuses specifically on professional relationships and working connections.

inner circle

Suggests a close and often exclusive group of trusted individuals.

professional contacts

Highlights connections made for business or career purposes.

group of acquaintances

Implies a less intimate and potentially more casual connection than "associates".

cohort of peers

Refers to a group of individuals who share similar status or experiences.

social network

Emphasizes the interconnectedness and broader range of social relationships.

community of affiliates

Focuses on individuals connected through a common organization or cause.

clique of friends

Suggests a small and tight-knit group, often with exclusive membership.

band of comrades

Implies a strong sense of shared purpose and mutual support.

cadre of insiders

Implies a group with privileged access to information or power.

FAQs

How can I use "circle of associates" in a sentence?

You can use "circle of associates" to describe a group of people connected professionally or socially, such as, "She expanded her business through her "circle of associates"."

What's a more informal way to say "circle of associates"?

For informal contexts, consider using terms like "group of friends", "network of contacts", or "people I know" instead of "circle of associates".

Is "circle of associates" the same as "inner circle"?

While both phrases refer to groups of people around someone, "inner circle" implies a closer, more exclusive relationship, while "circle of associates" can refer to a broader network.

When is it appropriate to use "circle of associates" instead of "group of friends"?

"Circle of associates" is more appropriate in professional or formal settings, whereas "group of friends" is suitable for personal and informal contexts.