partner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "partner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person with whom one shares an intimate relationship, a business associate, or someone who collaborates on a project. Example: "She decided to start a new venture with her business partner, who had experience in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Guy Benstead, a partner at Cedar Ridge Partners in San Francisco, said: "Public issuers are challenged; it's tough, tax receipts are down, revenues are down, local authorities are struggling, that makes the market very sensitive".

The Guardian - Business

This situation may be heightened if they are financially reliant on their partner.

The Guardian - Opinion

Until 2009, Turkmenistan's chief gas export partner was Russia.

The Guardian

After 9/11 Uzbekistan became a close strategic partner of the US, providing military facilities and transit routes to support US and Nato operations in Afghanistan.

The Guardian

Saudi Arabia was an important ally and economic partner came the muttered reply from No 10, and others.

The Guardian

Far from bolstering stability, Saudi policy actively works against western attempts to end the standoff with non-Arab Iran – still the natural regional partner for London and Washington that it was before the 1979 revolution.

The Guardian

But Liz Bingham, EY's managing partner for talent in the UK & Ireland, argues that there is a place for them: "Women-only networks are about so much more than prosecco and cupcakes.

The Guardian

But, he added, "we can become a business partner with him".

The Guardian

But even in the best case scenario, one of these policies would be driven to a remote forest location by some psychopathic coalition senior partner, then made to dig its own grave with a Lib Dem campaign pen.

The Guardian

The 50-year-old and his partner Veronica Ojeda were taken to hospital after the car he was driving reportedly hit a bus, hours before Argentina's Copa América win against Costa Rica.

The Guardian - Sport

Further, the junior partner party in the present coalition, the Progressive Democrats, only hold three seats, and yet all are ministers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a business arrangement, specify the type of "partner" (e.g., "managing partner", "limited partner") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Be mindful of gender-neutral language when discussing "partners" in personal relationships. Instead of assuming a "partner" is a husband or wife, use the term "partner" directly to respect diverse relationships.

Linguistic Context

The word "partner" primarily functions as a noun, referring to an individual involved in a shared activity, business, or personal relationship. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a versatile term encompassing various forms of association.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Sports

8%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "partner" is a versatile and commonly used noun, denoting a person involved in a shared activity, business, or personal relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts. Its frequency of use is high, particularly in News & Media. To enhance clarity, specify the type of "partner" in business contexts. Also, be mindful of gender-neutral language to respect diverse relationships. Consider alternatives like "associate" or "collaborator" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant other

A more general and inclusive term for a romantic partner.

associate

Focuses on a general connection or relationship, often in a business or professional context; it's less intimate than "partner".

collaborator

Emphasizes joint work or creation, particularly in artistic or professional settings.

ally

Highlights support and shared goals, often in political or strategic contexts.

spouse

Specifically refers to a marital relationship.

companion

Indicates a close friend or associate, often emphasizing shared experiences.

teammate

Refers to someone working alongside another in a sports context, focusing on achieving a common goal.

co-worker

Denotes someone who works in the same organization, without necessarily implying a close relationship.

affiliate

Highlights a formal association, often in business or organizational contexts.

counterpart

Refers to someone holding a similar position in another organization or country, emphasizing equivalence.

FAQs

How can I use the word "partner" in a sentence?

You can use "partner" to refer to someone you collaborate with, such as in business ("He is my business partner"), or to refer to someone you are in a relationship with ("She is my partner").

What is a good alternative to the word "partner" in a business context?

In a business context, you can use alternatives like "associate", "collaborator", or "affiliate" depending on the specific relationship.

Is it correct to use "partner" to refer to someone I am dating?

Yes, "partner" is commonly used to refer to someone you are dating or in a committed relationship with, regardless of marital status.

What's the difference between "partner" and "spouse"?

"Spouse" specifically refers to someone you are married to, while "partner" is a broader term that can include someone you are dating, cohabitating with, or in a civil union with, even if you are not legally married. It's more inclusive and can be used when marital status is unknown or irrelevant.