counterparts

USAGE SUMMARY

"counterparts" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means a person or thing that has the same function or characteristics as someone else or something else. Example sentence: My counterpart in the other department worked much faster than I did.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But more of his counterparts seem to view restoring the rule as a step backward.

The New York Times

Another example is the disproportionate suspicion given to and police targeting of black men in tracksuits, whereas their white counterparts are more likely to be seen as joggers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Reports of his being rounded on by eurozone counterparts decrying his "amateurish" ways at a summit meeting on 24 April, appear only to have rallied support.

The Guardian

Beckham also highlighted the fact that NFL players' careers are not as long as their counterparts in other major sporting leagues in the US.

The Guardian - Sport

People who worked 49-54 hours a week ran a 13% higher risk of developing a "risky alcohol use" habit compared to counterparts who worked a 35-40-hour 35-40-hour 35-40-hour work week

The Guardian

Let's hope they are getting paid the same as their newly arrived male counterparts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While better-educated men in the UK are also more likely to drink a hazardous amount (defined as a weekly consumption of 21 units or more for men, or 14 or more for women) than their less-educated counterparts, the difference is much more pronounced for women.

The Guardian

Until today such an option was a taboo subject among US government officials and their British counterparts, who have insisted Iran would be ultimately stopped from constructing a warhead.

The Guardian

There is no Churchill or Kennedy on offer, just run-of-the-mill politicians from a political class as despised at home as its counterparts are elsewhere.

The Guardian

The 12 Inter players called up to represent their countries over the previous fortnight had racked up an incredible 92,645 air miles but they had played an average of 50 fewer minutes per head than their Juventus counterparts.

The Guardian - Sport

Councils in the north of England have had to make cuts amounting to £160 a head more than their counterparts in the south-east, new research has shown.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "counterparts" to accurately describe individuals or entities that hold similar positions or functions in different organizations, teams, or contexts. It highlights the equivalence or matching nature of their roles.

Common error

Avoid using "counterparts" when referring to "colleagues" within the same organization or team. "Counterparts" implies a comparison between similar roles across different entities, while "colleagues" are those you work with directly.

Linguistic Context

The term "counterparts" functions primarily as a noun, referring to individuals or entities holding equivalent positions or roles in different settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the examples show it comparing roles across organizations or countries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "counterparts" is a commonly used noun that refers to people or things holding similar positions or functions in different organizations or contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is often used in news and media to draw comparisons and is suitable for neutral or professional communications. Alternatives include "opposite numbers" and "equivalents". Avoid confusing it with "colleagues", which refers to people within the same organization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposite numbers

Replaces "counterparts" with a phrase specifically used for people in similar roles in different organizations or teams.

equivalents

Substitutes "counterparts" with a word emphasizing the equal value or function of the items being compared.

corresponding individuals

Replaces "counterparts" with a more formal phrase highlighting a direct correspondence between people.

opposite numbers

Replaces "counterparts" with a term indicating individuals holding similar positions but in opposing or different entities.

parallel entities

Shifts from people to organizations or entities, emphasizing a structural or functional similarity.

matching elements

Focuses on the identical or corresponding aspects of components or features rather than whole entities.

corresponding members

Specifies that the individuals being compared are members of different groups or organizations.

similar figures

Replaces with a term emphasizing a certain degree of resemblance or likeness between different people.

like entities

Switches to a term stressing the resemblance in nature or characteristics between distinct organizations.

analogs

Substitutes "counterparts" with a scientific or technical term that highlights functional or structural resemblance.

FAQs

How do I use "counterparts" in a sentence?

"Counterparts" is used to describe people or things that have the same function or characteristics but are in different places or organizations. For example, "The CEO met with her counterparts from other companies".

What can I say instead of "counterparts"?

You can use alternatives like "opposite numbers", "equivalents", or "corresponding individuals" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "counterparts" or "colleagues"?

"Counterparts" refers to people in similar roles but in different organizations. "Colleagues" are people you work with in the same organization. The correct choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "counterparts" and "competitors"?

"Counterparts" are those in similar roles or positions, whereas "competitors" are rivals vying for the same goal. Although a counterpart may be a competitor, the terms highlight different aspects of their relationship.