my colleagues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my colleagues" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the people you work with in a professional context. Example: "I had a productive meeting with my colleagues to discuss the upcoming project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My colleagues inspire me.

The New York Times

(My colleagues think so, too).

The Economist

My colleagues know me.

The Washington Post

"I consulted my colleagues.

The Guardian - Opinion

I berate my colleagues.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My colleagues grinned.

The New Yorker

My colleagues stiffened.

The New York Times - Magazine

My colleagues don't.

The Guardian

Some of my colleagues advocate this.

The New York Times - Magazine

"My colleagues thought I sold out".

The New Yorker

"I and my colleagues object vehemently.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the context clarifies the professional relationship. For instance, specify "my colleagues at the university" or "my colleagues in the marketing department" for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "my colleagues" when referring to friends or acquaintances outside of a professional setting. Stick to terms like "friends" or "acquaintances" in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my colleagues" functions as a possessive determiner plus a common noun. It identifies a group of people with whom the speaker or writer shares a professional association. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "my colleagues" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to refer to individuals in a professional setting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily in news, science, and academic environments. While synonyms like "my coworkers" and "my teammates" exist, "my colleagues" carries a slightly more formal tone. Remember to use it appropriately within professional settings and avoid it in informal contexts. Be sure the professional relationship is clear to your audience to make the best use of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my coworkers

This is a direct synonym, referring to individuals working in the same environment.

my teammates

Focuses on collaboration within a specific project or task.

my associates

Emphasizes a professional connection or partnership.

my peers

Highlights those at a similar level or standing in the profession.

my collaborators

Specifically refers to individuals working together on a joint project.

my fellow workers

A more formal way of saying "my coworkers".

my workmates

A more informal term, common in British English, for people you work with.

my office mates

Refers to those sharing the same office space.

my professional network

Broader term encompassing all professional contacts.

my professional circle

Highlights a group of colleagues you professionally engage with.

FAQs

How do I properly use "my colleagues" in a sentence?

"My colleagues" is a possessive phrase used to refer to the people you work with. For example, "My colleagues helped me with the project" or "I consulted with my colleagues before making a decision".

What are some alternatives to saying "my colleagues"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "my coworkers", "my teammates", "my associates", or "my peers".

Is there a difference between "my colleagues" and "my coworkers"?

While both terms refer to people you work with, "my colleagues" often implies a more professional or academic setting, whereas "my coworkers" can be used in a broader range of workplaces.

Can I use "my colleagues" to refer to people I used to work with?

While it's more common to use "my former colleagues" for people you no longer work with, using "my colleagues" isn't incorrect if the context makes it clear you're referring to a past association.