previous colleagues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous colleagues" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to refer to people who have worked with you in the past. For example: "I learned a lot from my previous colleagues during my time at my last job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

When you get the job, your new colleagues use an app to see how previous colleagues have reviewed you.

The Guardian - Opinion

He destroys his previous colleagues with a barrage of homophobic slurs, and makes an antisemitic comment about Heller.

The Guardian - Film

It wouldn't be sad, we wouldn't all be feeling like this, if you guys were up to your neck in it, like previous colleagues".

The New York Times

or informal, based on personal contacts such as friends, family, previous colleagues, etc. (Pyka 2011).

Triple Helix

and informal, based on personal contacts such as friends, family, and previous colleagues.

Triple Helix

Previous colleagues and co-workers: I'm obviously biased but I believe that the most valuable investors are ones with operational experience.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Instead, the panel was a miasma of what I called "insiders, former insiders, and a previous colleague of the president's".

TechCrunch

As some have pointed out in recent days, the group is instead a slurry of insiders, former insiders, and a previous colleague of the president's.

TechCrunch

The panel was stacked with, as I reported in late August, "a slurry of insiders, former insiders, and a previous colleague of the president".

TechCrunch

When asked 'who is on your friend list?', respondents indicated the following categories: other students 96%, previous work colleagues 73%, current work colleagues 44%, previous instructors 21%, current instructors 5%, previous patients/clients 2%, current patients/clients 0.3%.

BMJ Open

16) Never say anything negative about a previous employer or a former colleague.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking references, reach out to your "previous colleagues" who can speak specifically to your skills and work ethic in past projects.

Common error

Avoid oversharing personal details or venting frustrations about current or "previous colleagues" on public social media profiles, as this can negatively impact your professional reputation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous colleagues" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a group of people with whom one has had a professional association in the past. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to people who have worked with you in the past.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previous colleagues" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to individuals with whom one has worked in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from networking and seeking references to discussing past work experiences. While maintaining a neutral register, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science sources, making it a versatile choice for professional communication. Alternative phrases like "former coworkers" or "past workmates" can be used to add variety while conveying similar meanings. Remember to use this term professionally and avoid sharing inappropriate details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Former coworkers

Focuses on the working relationship specifically, using a more concise term.

Past workmates

Emphasizes the shared experience of working together in the past.

Former associates

A more formal alternative, suitable for professional contexts.

Previous work associates

Combines both the concepts of "previous" and "associates".

Past teammates

Highlights collaboration and teamwork in a previous setting.

Old colleagues

A simpler, more informal way of referring to colleagues from the past.

Former staff members

Identifies "previous colleagues" in relation to their roles in the staff.

Past collaborators

Highlights collaborative work done with "previous colleagues".

Ex-colleagues

Uses the prefix "ex-" to indicate a former professional relationship.

Previous collaborators

Highlights prior collaborative efforts with "previous colleagues".

FAQs

How can I use "previous colleagues" in a sentence?

You can use "previous colleagues" to refer to people you worked with in the past, as in "I learned a lot from my "previous colleagues" at my old job" or "I still keep in touch with some of my "previous colleagues"".

What's a more formal alternative to "previous colleagues"?

If you need a more formal term, consider using "former associates" or "former coworkers".

Is it okay to contact "previous colleagues" for job opportunities?

Yes, networking with "previous colleagues" can be a great way to find new job opportunities or get insights into different companies or industries.

How do I maintain professional relationships with my "previous colleagues"?

You can maintain professional relationships with your "previous colleagues" by staying in touch via LinkedIn, attending industry events, or occasionally reaching out for coffee or a quick chat.