comrades

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comrades" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to friends, companions, or fellow members of a group, often in a political or military context. Example: "The comrades stood together in solidarity during the protest, united by their shared beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Peter was greeted by friends and comrades he had worked with for decades, and though he smiled and shook hands, he seemed to have little memory of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not only have they made the issue clear to everybody – not only have they created martyrs in our comrades at Fort Leavenworth, at the Ecuadorian embassy in London and at an undisclosed location in Moscow – not only have they lit this fire beyond the point where they can piss it out, but they have lost their armour.

The Guardian - Tech

Bear it in mind, comrades: who would you have to attack if we weren't there?

The Guardian

Made in Dagenham makes an effort to deal with this as the strikers struggle to soothe the resentment of their male comrades, but this basic issue is fudged in the overlying story of the suicide of one striker's husband, not an event which has a historical precedent.

The Guardian

Is it his fault that the British Secret Services blackmailed a Sinn Féin member into betraying his comrades?

The Guardian

He was the Soviet heir apparent who had authorised a large donation to help striking comrades in the UK.

The Guardian

Kiev's forces appeared to be laying down suppressing fire towards the town to help their comrades retreat.

The Guardian

They were more used to being in a scrap than American or European forces, who often came with "gold-plated" equipment, he suggested, and white South Africans were often more at ease fighting alongside black comrades than European troops would be.

The Guardian

"The ambassador simply maintained that Soviet trade unions were independent and democratic and that the Soviet government was not answerable for their exercise of their rights" to donate to their British comrades.

The Guardian

In the poems of Wilfred Owen, references to heads of states and the imperialistic fervour of Edwardian England are hard to come by, but the experiences of a soldier who loses his comrades to poisonous mustard gas are plentiful.

The Guardian

The effect of this reverberates through to today, as witnessed by the many comrades gathered at the 30th anniversary "mass picnic", held near Orgreave last Saturday.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "comrades", consider the historical and political connotations, especially in contexts related to socialism or communism. Ensure the term aligns with your intended meaning and audience.

Common error

Avoid using "comrades" excessively in contemporary settings where it might sound outdated or insincere. Opt for more neutral terms like "colleagues" or "associates" if the context doesn't specifically warrant the historical or political undertones of "comrades".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "comrades" is as a plural noun, typically referring to individuals who share a common ideology, purpose, or experience. It often denotes a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. Ludwig examples showcase usage in political, military, and social contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comrades" is a plural noun referring to companions or allies, often with shared political or ideological beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, noting its frequent appearance in News & Media. While "comrades" can foster solidarity, it's crucial to consider its historical connotations and choose more neutral alternatives like "colleagues" or "associates" in professional or modern contexts where its historical associations might be misconstrued. Understanding the nuanced implications of "comrades" enables more effective communication across diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fellow members

Refers to individuals who share membership in a group or organization, similar to sharing a common cause or affiliation.

Allies

Indicates individuals or groups that are united to promote common interests or achieve a shared goal, emphasizing collaboration and support.

Associates

Describes individuals who are connected through shared activities, interests, or professional relationships.

Colleagues

Specifically denotes individuals working together in a professional setting, sharing a workplace or occupation.

Partners

Implies a formal agreement to cooperate or collaborate, often in business or other joint ventures.

Confederates

Suggests a shared purpose, often in a clandestine or rebellious context.

Compatriots

Highlights a shared nationality or homeland, emphasizing a sense of national unity.

Brothers in arms

Specifically refers to individuals who have fought together in a military conflict, indicating a strong bond forged through shared experiences.

Friends

Indicates a close personal relationship based on mutual affection, trust, and support.

Teammates

Denotes individuals working together as a team to achieve a common objective, particularly in sports or other competitive activities.

FAQs

How can I use "comrades" in a sentence?

You can use "comrades" to refer to companions who share the same beliefs, goals, or experiences. For example: "The "comrades" stood together in solidarity during the protest."

What are some alternatives to the word "comrades"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "fellow members", "allies", "associates", or "colleagues".

Is it appropriate to use "comrades" in a business setting?

While "comrades" can be used to foster a sense of camaraderie, it might be perceived as overly informal or politically charged in a business setting. Consider using more neutral terms like "colleagues" or "team members".

What is the historical significance of the word "comrades"?

"Comrades" has strong associations with socialist and communist movements, where it was used as a term of address and solidarity among members. Understanding this historical context is important when using the word.