fellow primates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fellow primates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of people who are biologically related to primates, such as humans and apes. It can also be used figuratively to refer to people who share similar characteristics or traits. Example: "We, as fellow primates, must recognize the importance of protecting our environment for the benefit of future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A meticulous portrait of the pioneering researcher whose years of observing chimpanzees changed the way we see our fellow primates.

The New York Times

To understand how we ended up with such a strange organ, many scientists have turned to our fellow primates.

The New York Times - Science

As fellow primates, the monkeys are the best possible guide to whether the mouse results will apply in people.

The New York Times - Science

Standing in the middle of a green fragment of the Atlantic Forest at Caratinga in southeastern Brazil, I was doing what I like best -- watching my fellow primates.

The New York Times - Travel

From Darwin's early investigations of primate emotions to Jane Goodall's chimpanzees, we humans have long looked to our fellow primates to reveal our essential natures.

The New York Times - Books

How to meet your fellow primates, before it's too late Round-trip fares from New York to São Paulo range from an excursion fare of $759 on Varig to a high-season fare of $1,465.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Metaphorically at least, the news makes you want to extend a cheerful hand to your fellow primate and pump him by his auburn, hirsute paw (it would feel sort of like angora, I'm guessing).

The New York Times - Magazine

Hok hok hok! (Hey, crowned eagle!) Very good — you have already mastered half the basic vocabulary of the Campbell's monkey, a fellow primate that lives in the forests of the Tai National Park in Ivory Coast.

The New York Times - Science

Humans are such anthropomorphizers that all we can say for sure is that, speaking for ourselves, we can't imagine living in the trees without electricity and hot water and what's so bad about offering a fellow primate a drink, a warm bed, a cooked meal?

The New York Times

In a letter last week to fellow primate researchers, Nikos Logothetis cites a lack of support from colleagues and the wider scientific community as key factors in his decision.

Science Magazine

In a letter last week to fellow primate researchers, Logothetis cites a lack of support from colleagues and the wider scientific community as key factors in his decision.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, "fellow primates" can be a useful alternative to more technical terms when aiming for broader comprehension.

Common error

Be mindful of anthropocentric bias; using "fellow primates" doesn't justify imposing human values or expectations on other species. Focus on understanding their behaviors within their ecological context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fellow primates" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to refer to primates other than humans, emphasizing shared characteristics or ancestry. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts of ethical considerations, scientific research, and conservation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Books

8%

Wiki

4%

Travel

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fellow primates" is a grammatically sound and relatively common noun phrase used to denote primates other than humans. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it emphasizes shared ancestry and fosters a sense of connection. Its usage spans various contexts, from scientific discussions to news reports and ethical arguments, maintaining a neutral to formal register. While specific terms might be preferred in highly technical writing, "fellow primates" remains a valuable and accessible way to refer to our primate relatives, especially when aiming to evoke empathy or highlight biological similarities. Always be mindful of avoiding anthropocentrism when using the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

other primates

Broader term encompassing all primates beyond those directly specified.

primate kin

Simple alternative, highlights the genetic relationships between primates.

primate relatives

Highlights the familial connection between different primate species.

related primates

Stresses the genetic and evolutionary links between primates.

non-human primates

Emphasizes the distinction from humans within the primate group.

close primate relatives

Reinforces the closeness of the evolutionary relationship.

our primate cousins

Uses a more informal and relational term to describe other primates.

members of the primate family

Formal and biological way to refer to our primate relatives.

simian counterparts

Focuses on simians (monkeys and apes), highlighting a counterpart relationship.

apes and monkeys

Focuses on the most familiar branches of the primate tree.

FAQs

What does the term "fellow primates" mean?

The term "fellow primates" refers to other animals that belong to the primate order, which includes monkeys, apes, and humans. It's often used to highlight the shared ancestry and biological similarities between humans and these animals.

How can I use "fellow primates" in a sentence?

You can use "fellow primates" to refer to animals like chimpanzees or gorillas when discussing their behavior, conservation, or evolutionary relationships. For example: "Studying our /s/primate+relatives can provide valuable insights into human evolution."

Are there more formal alternatives to "fellow primates"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "non-human primates" or "members of the primate order". These terms are often used in scientific or academic contexts where precision is important. You could also use "primate relatives" to highlight the genetic relationships between primates.

Is it appropriate to use "fellow primates" in scientific writing?

While "fellow primates" is acceptable, it's generally more appropriate to use specific terms like "non-human primates" or the species name (e.g., chimpanzees, gorillas) in formal scientific writing to avoid ambiguity and maintain a professional tone. However, in less formal contexts, "fellow primates" can be a good way to highlight connections between species.