collaborate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "collaborate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two or more people or organizations working together towards a common goal. Example sentence: The two companies collaborated to develop a new product.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Otherwise the civilian population won't collaborate with the security forces".Such collaboration is vital.

The Economist

I think they would be very keen for the law to be changed as soon as possible and will collaborate with us to do so".

The Guardian - Tech

So what if I say I want to collaborate with you in Evernote, and I start writing, but Evernote – since you're using it as well, it knows you – and it starts filling things in for you, as if you had done it?

The Guardian - Tech

"Actually it turns out I don't really want to collaborate with you.

The Guardian - Tech

O'Toole adds that more could be done at the pre-engagement stage, such as the Ministry of Justice funding work into how the sector organisations can collaborate ahead of potential programmes.

The Guardian

With typical daring, they collaborate here on a film about the historical legacy of Pavilion, an 80s and 90s Leeds venue that retains some claim to have been the UK's first gallery for the exclusive showing of the newly emerging genre of feminist photography.

The Guardian - Arts

The event is also an excellent primer in breaking into the industry, including advice on how to work to a brief and a breakdown of who does what on a food shoot – and how to collaborate with them to ensure a successful result.

The Guardian

She started the business from her spare bedroom four years ago and now employs a team of 20. "We collaborate with other local agencies, and our different specialisms means there's enough business for everyone," she says.

The Guardian

Morricone went on to collaborate with directors on both sides of the Atlantic, including Bernardo Bertolucci and Brian De Palma.

The Guardian - Music

Let's say I want collaborate with you, so I start a document and I'm going to write some stuff, and I want you to contribute to it," says Libin.

The Guardian - Tech

The tough, complex and changing environment of the NHS requires our leaders to collaborate and co-operate across boundaries, between – not just within – their organisations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "collaborate", ensure that the context clearly indicates the shared goal or purpose of the collaboration. For example, instead of saying "They collaborate", specify "They collaborate on developing new software".

Common error

Avoid using "collaborate" in situations where the nature of the interaction is unclear. If the relationship is simply an exchange of information, consider using "communicate" or "share" instead of "collaborate".

Linguistic Context

The verb "collaborate" functions as an intransitive verb describing a joint effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely usable. It signifies people or groups working together towards a shared objective, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "collaborate" is a versatile verb denoting joint effort toward a common goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Its use spans across news, business, and scientific domains, signifying a professional and formal register. To ensure clarity, specify the purpose of collaboration in your writing. Consider alternatives like "work together" or "team up" based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work together

A more general term emphasizing joint effort, suitable for various contexts.

cooperate

Highlights willingness to assist each other, often in a more structured or formal setting.

team up

Suggests forming a team for a specific task or project, implying a shared goal.

join forces

Emphasizes combining resources or strengths for a common purpose, especially against a challenge.

partner with

Implies a formal agreement or alliance for mutual benefit.

unite

Stresses the act of coming together, often in response to a shared need or objective.

act jointly

Focuses on coordinated action and shared responsibility.

pull together

Suggests concerted effort, especially in a difficult situation.

conspire

To plan together secretly to do something wrong or illegal.

liaise

To work closely with someone and exchange information with them.

FAQs

How can I use "collaborate" in a sentence?

You can use "collaborate" to describe working jointly with others. For example, "The scientists "collaborate" on the research project". It emphasizes a shared effort towards a common goal.

What are some alternatives to using "collaborate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "work together", "cooperate", or "team up". Each has slightly different connotations.

Is there a difference between "cooperate" and "collaborate"?

"Cooperate" often implies a more passive assistance, while "collaborate" suggests a more active and equal partnership. See also "cooperate".

What's the best way to initiate a successful collaboration?

Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and goals at the outset. Open communication and mutual respect are also crucial for a successful collaboration.