peer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "peer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as both a verb and a noun. Verb Example: My professor peers over my shoulder to make sure I'm understanding the lesson. Noun Example: I need to ask my peers for help as I'm not sure how to do this assignment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The peer later denied that he had commercial interests in any domestic energy firms or in the big six energy companies.

The Guardian - Money

The British peer said the UN Relief and Works Agency had only a finite amount of food and other essential supplies, adding: "We were concerned that over time supplies were running out," prompting the agency and other UN agencies to launch an appeal to get more resources into the area.

The Guardian

His father is Mr Justice Tugendhat, a high court judge, and his uncle is a Conservative peer, Baron Christopher Tugendhat.

The Guardian

In the Lords' bar, when both men were well into their 70s, Fitt would still mutter "that wee fucker" when Mason, by now a peer himself, came in.

The Guardian

The Conservative peer said that was critical of the strategy of the no campaign in Scotland and it was clear that the outcome on 18 September was "going to be very tight".

The Guardian

This study will have to be peer reviewed and approved by Hunt.

The Guardian

You don't have to go via a bank or other middleman; coin authentication is peer to peer.

The Guardian

The Tory peer recently provoked anger when he declared the living wage campaign irrelevant.

The Guardian - Business

Among the celebrities and political figures to lend their support were actresses Juliet Stevenson and Romola Garai, alongside Labour peer Baroness Kennedy QC and Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A large number of the scientific papers submitted to peer-reviewed journals are rejected, usually because of criticisms of the scientific methods used or because the research does not represent a major new advance in thinking.

The Guardian

I choose not to do personal consultancy for the food industry because it is often harder, though not impossible, to put similar safeguards around advisory work and the discussions are not published in the peer-reviewed way that we do for research findings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or professional writing, use "peer review" to emphasize the rigorous evaluation process conducted by experts in the field.

Common error

Avoid using "peer" when you mean "pair", which refers to a set of two. "Peer" relates to equals or those of similar standing. For example, use "a pair of shoes" instead of "a peer of shoes".

Linguistic Context

The word "peer" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an equal or someone of similar standing. It can also function as a verb, meaning to look intently or with difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "peer" is versatile, functioning both as a noun (denoting an equal) and a verb (meaning to look intently). As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically sound and very common across diverse contexts, including news, business, and science. When writing, remember to distinguish "peer" from "pair" to avoid confusion. Related terms include "equal", "colleague", and "associate", each offering nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning. Always be mindful of the surrounding context to determine the most fitting synonym.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peer group

Highlights a group of individuals of similar age, status, or interests.

equal

Denotes someone or something at the same level or status.

colleague

Refers to someone who works with you, typically in a professional setting.

companion

Suggests someone who shares activities or interests with you.

associate

Implies a connection or relationship, often in a professional or business context.

comrade

Indicates a close friend or ally, often in a shared struggle or cause.

to gaze

Implies a steady look at something with interest or curiosity.

to scrutinize

Suggests a careful and critical examination of something.

to observe

Refers to watching something attentively.

to examine

Indicates a detailed inspection or investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "peer" in a sentence?

As a noun, "peer" refers to someone of equal standing, like a colleague or classmate. For example: "I value the opinions of my peers." As a verb, it means to look intently: "He peered into the darkness."

What words can I use instead of "peer" to describe a colleague?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "associate", "colleague", or "comrade" to describe someone you work with.

What is the difference between "peer review" and a regular review?

"Peer review" is a specific process where experts in the same field evaluate the quality and validity of research or work. A regular review can be conducted by anyone, regardless of their expertise.

Is it correct to use "peer" as a verb, and how should I use it?

Yes, it is correct to use "peer" as a verb. It usually implies looking intently or with difficulty. For example: "She peered through the fog" or "He peered over the edge of the cliff."