deskmates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deskmates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals who share a desk or workspace, often in a school or office setting. Example: "My deskmates and I often collaborate on projects and help each other with our work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Two of my deskmates were black and they talked to me the most: black people were therefore friendly.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

My present self is shocked that I did not try to "do" something for Louise, my old deskmate.

The New Yorker

It is ridiculous that a male director's bonus could be double that of his female colleague, no-one performs that much better than their deskmate.

The Guardian

Gavin Williamson, appointed by Theresa May as her parliamentary enforcer in July, has spoken in recent days about his unusual deskmate, who is kept in a glass tank and named after a Greek god who castrated his father and ate his children.

The Guardian

"Stick it up your bollocks," he tells his synth deskmate.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

No one could have demanded the universe supply a more congenial and entertaining deskmate.

The Guardian - Music

He giggles; nudges his deskmate to share the joke.

The Guardian - Books

"Look, it's snowing!" said my deskmate and fellow Paisley Park devotee, pointing at the sky.

The Guardian - Music

When I started as a cub reporter on a local paper in the mid-1990s, my deskmate had got his break straight from school as a Saturday boy, making the tea and learning on the hoof.

The Guardian - Opinion

A: Given the size of my desk, the size of the picture, and the need to be mindful of my deskmate, Cheryl, please limit the group size to four or fewer at any one time.

The New Yorker

Carnahan's deskmate on the Senate floor, Jon Corzine of New Jersey, had never served in government when he was elected.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deskmates" to refer to individuals who share a desk or workspace, particularly in educational or office environments, to clearly indicate their proximity and shared space.

Common error

Avoid assuming that sharing a desk automatically indicates a close relationship. While "deskmates" implies proximity, the nature of their interaction could range from professional to friendly, or even neutral.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deskmates" functions as a noun, specifically a plural noun, referring to multiple individuals who share a desk or workspace. As noted by Ludwig, the term is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "deskmates" refers to people sharing a desk, commonly in school or office settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for written English. Predominantly found in news and media, the term carries a neutral tone and can be used to describe shared workspaces without necessarily implying any deeper relationship. Be mindful of the context; while acceptable in most settings, more formal terms like "colleagues" might be preferred in certain professional environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Seatmates

Focuses specifically on those sharing a seat, especially in a classroom or at an event.

Benchmates

Implies sharing a bench, often in a laboratory or workshop setting.

Colleagues

Refers to people who work together professionally, often implying a more formal relationship.

Coworkers

Another term for people who work together, emphasizing the collaborative aspect.

Classmates

Denotes individuals who attend the same class, focusing on the educational environment.

Office mates

Specifically describes those who share an office space, implying a workplace setting.

Work partners

Highlights the collaborative aspect of working together on projects or tasks.

Table partners

Indicates sharing a table, often in a classroom or dining setting.

Lab partners

Refers to individuals who work together in a laboratory setting.

Study buddies

Suggests an informal relationship where individuals study together.

FAQs

How can I use "deskmates" in a sentence?

You can use "deskmates" to describe people who share a desk. For example, "My deskmates and I collaborate on projects" or "I often chat with my deskmates during breaks".

What are some synonyms for "deskmates"?

Alternatives include "seatmates", "colleagues" (if in a professional setting), or "classmates" (if in a school setting).

Is it appropriate to use "deskmates" in a formal setting?

While "deskmates" is generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, using terms like "colleagues" or "office mates" might be more suitable, depending on the specific situation.

What's the difference between "deskmates" and "classmates"?

"Deskmates" specifically refers to individuals who share a desk, emphasizing physical proximity. "Classmates", on the other hand, refers to individuals who attend the same class, regardless of whether they share a desk.