dear colleague

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dear colleague" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a polite and formal way to address a fellow worker or associate in professional correspondence. Example: "Dear colleague, I hope this message finds you well as we embark on this new project together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Dear colleague, mentor and friend to many.

The New York Times

He was a dear colleague, advisor, and friend, who we shall miss greatly.

The New York Times

It is with profound sadness and shock that we share the loss of our dear colleague and friend Barry Neilinger.

The New York Times

The officers and staff of The Segal Company mourn the untimely passing of our dear colleague and friend.

The New York Times

Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation mourns the untimely passing of our dear colleague Shulamith Navon.

The New York Times

I am heartbroken to have lost a dear colleague and a great talent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

That's an apt description of Telang's response to a "Dear Colleague" letter inviting EAGER proposals under NSF's Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace (SaTC) initiative.

Science Magazine

It was announced in May 2013 in a "Dear Colleague" letter to prospective applicants to a program funding research on sensors and sensing systems.

Science Magazine

They were escorted to a side room where they received an impersonal letter that began "Dear Colleague".

The Guardian - Business

But Scott Borg, the head of NSF's Antarctic science program, provided some reassurance by sending out a "Dear Colleague" letter encouraging scientists to apply for funding.

Science Magazine

In 2011, the civil rights office sent a "Dear Colleague" letter to college officials telling them that "acts of sexual violence" are sex discrimination "prohibited by Title IX".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dear colleague" in formal correspondence, always follow it with the colleague's name or a general title if the name is unknown to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "dear colleague" in casual or informal communications as it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for a more relaxed greeting like "Hi [Name]" or "Hello [Name]" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dear colleague" functions primarily as a formal salutation. It is used to address a coworker in professional communication, such as emails or letters. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it sets a respectful and professional tone. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dear colleague" is a formal salutation commonly used in professional communication to address a coworker. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in news, science, and business contexts. While appropriate in formal emails and letters, it may be too formal for casual settings. Alternatives like "esteemed colleague" or a simple "Hello [Name]" may be more suitable in relaxed environments. Remember to follow it with the colleague's name for maintaining an appropriate level of professional respect. When choosing to write this salutation, be mindful of your work environment. It is a standard greeting, and therefore, it's well understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

esteemed colleague

Replaces "dear" with a more formal term, emphasizing respect and high regard.

respected colleague

Similar to "esteemed colleague" but focuses specifically on professional respect.

valued colleague

Highlights the importance and contribution of the colleague.

fellow colleague

Emphasizes camaraderie and shared professional space.

close colleague

Indicates a closer working relationship or friendship.

longtime colleague

Highlights a long-standing professional relationship.

cherished colleague

Expresses a strong sense of affection and appreciation.

associate

A more neutral and general term for a coworker.

professional peer

Highlights that someone is on equal footing professionally.

esteemed coworker

Uses "coworker" as a more generic alternative to "colleague".

FAQs

How can I use "dear colleague" in a sentence?

"Dear colleague" is often used as a formal salutation in emails or letters. For example, "Dear colleague, I hope this message finds you well."

What are some alternatives to "dear colleague"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "esteemed colleague", "respected colleague", or "valued colleague".

When is it appropriate to use "dear colleague"?

It's appropriate to use "dear colleague" in professional settings when addressing a coworker in a formal email, letter, or memo. It's less suitable for casual conversations or informal messages.

Is "dear colleague" too formal for internal communications?

While "dear colleague" is generally suitable for internal communications, assess the company culture. If the environment is relaxed, a simpler greeting like "Hi team" or "Hello [Name]" may be more appropriate.