my associates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my associates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to colleagues, partners, or people you work with in a professional context. Example: "I will discuss the project details with my associates before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And this has me feeling very guilty about my associates.

The New York Times

To be clear: I, along with a large group of my associates, am acting alone.

The New York Times

When I need feedback from my associates, we meet on Skype or on the phone.

The New York Times

So, I definitely have a higher tolerance for risk, and it drives my associates crazy.

The New York Times

NO pictures or videos are to be posted of my associates or myself without my prior authorization.

The New Yorker

I've lost a good few friends and 90% of my associates.

The Guardian

"I am not frightened and I am sure my associates are not frightened either," said Navalny.

The Guardian

And he went on to say: "This has changed the situation for myself and my associates".

The Guardian - Film

"When I contacted my associates from Lahore on Feb. 1, they said: 'Dad is already dead.

The New York Times

He wrote back: "I and all my associates are ourselves consumers.

The New York Times

In doing so my associates and I all acted in good faith over these donations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "my associates", consider the specific context. "Colleagues" might be more appropriate in a workplace setting, while "partners" implies a business relationship. Choose the term that most accurately reflects the connection you have with the people you're referencing.

Common error

Avoid using "my associates" in casual conversation. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Simpler terms like "friends", "people I know", or even just using their names are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my associates" functions primarily as a determiner phrase, specifically a possessive determiner followed by a noun. It serves to identify a group of individuals connected to the speaker. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my associates" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote individuals connected to the speaker in a professional or formal manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, its formality level suggests careful consideration of the context, with alternatives like "my colleagues" or "the people I work with" being more suitable for informal settings. The phrase is commonly found in news and media sources. When choosing to use "my associates", writers should be mindful of the specific relationship they intend to convey and avoid overuse in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my colleagues

Replaces "associates" with a term typically used for people working in the same professional environment.

my coworkers

Similar to "colleagues", but often implies a more direct working relationship.

the people I work with

A more descriptive alternative to "associates", specifying the nature of the relationship.

my partners

Suggests a formal business relationship with shared ownership or responsibility.

my collaborators

Emphasizes working together on a specific project or goal.

my team

Highlights belonging to a group working towards a common objective.

my business contacts

Focuses specifically on individuals encountered within a professional capacity.

my allies

Implies a supportive relationship, often in a challenging environment.

my acquaintances

Refers to people known to the speaker, but without a close relationship.

my professional network

Suggests a broader group of people with whom the speaker has professional connections.

FAQs

What's the difference between "my colleagues" and "my associates"?

"My colleagues" usually refers to people you work with in the same profession or workplace. "My associates" is a broader term and can include business partners or people you're connected to in a professional capacity, but not necessarily working alongside. You might use "my colleagues" when referring to coworkers in your office, while "my associates" could encompass individuals from different companies you collaborate with.

When is it appropriate to use "my associates" in writing?

The phrase "my associates" is appropriate in formal and professional writing contexts. It's suitable for reports, business correspondence, or legal documents where you want to refer to a group of people connected to you professionally. Consider the tone of your writing to ensure it fits. In more casual contexts, using "my colleagues" or "the people I work with" may be more fitting.

Are there any negative connotations associated with the phrase "my associates"?

While generally neutral, "my associates" can sometimes sound slightly detached or formal. In certain contexts, particularly when discussing potentially questionable activities, it could create a sense of distance or imply indirect involvement. Be mindful of the surrounding language to avoid unintended implications. Consider using a more neutral alternative like "my colleagues" if you prefer a less formal tone.

What are some alternatives to "my associates" that sound less formal?

If you're looking for less formal alternatives to "my associates", you can use phrases like "the people I work with", "my team", "my colleagues", or simply refer to them by name or role. The best choice depends on the specific relationship and context. For instance, in a casual email, "the folks I work with" might be appropriate.