valuable colleague

USAGE SUMMARY

"valuable colleague" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could use it in a thank-you note to someone who has helped you on a project: "Thank you for being such a valuable colleague on this project. I couldn't have done it without you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

An entrepreneur reconsiders a valuable colleague.

Harvard Business Review

Why should they have to take a personal financial hit to preserve the job of a less valuable colleague?

The New York Times

My associate deans and I lose a valuable colleague; the college gains a committed citizen and impassioned advocate on issues of importance to faculty and students".

The New York Times

"I found her smart, idealistic but pragmatic, tough-minded, indefatigable, funny, a very valuable colleague, and a superb representative of the United States all over the world," he wrote.

The Washington Post

Nevertheless as defence secretary he felt close to her and described her as a "very valuable colleague".

BBC

This made him a valuable colleague and a treasured mentor for his many graduate students.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

At some banks like Bank of America, many laid-off employees are not allowed to return to their desks, because the banks fear departing employees will try to take valuable colleagues or clients with them.

The New York Times

You will want to interact with valuable colleagues".

Science Magazine

I found the Dutch quite enthusiastic about such activities once they had warmed to the idea, and as they seem to have a genetic propensity for forming tightly knit groups, you can gain valuable colleagues this way.

Science Magazine

While staff chose their helpful friends and valuable colleagues based on their ideas, personalities and behaviors.

BMC Medical Education

Those connections are what make us human -- and make us more valuable as colleagues, citizens, mates, and parents.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When recognizing a coworker's contributions, use "valuable colleague" to convey appreciation for their skills, insights, and positive impact on the team.

Common error

Avoid using "valuable colleague" in casual or informal contexts, as it can sound overly formal or insincere. Opt for simpler terms like "great coworker" or "helpful teammate" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valuable colleague" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "valuable" modifies the noun "colleague". It typically serves to identify and highlight the positive attributes and contributions of a coworker. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "valuable colleague" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for recognizing a coworker's positive attributes and contributions. While relatively uncommon, it is appropriate for professional environments and can convey genuine appreciation when used thoughtfully. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and provides examples from various reliable sources. Remember to use it judiciously, opting for simpler terms in more informal settings, to maintain sincerity and avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valued coworker

Replaces "colleague" with "coworker" and "valuable" with "valued", maintaining a similar connotation.

esteemed associate

Uses more formal synonyms for both words, indicating high regard.

appreciated teammate

Focuses on the collaborative aspect and gratitude for their contributions.

invaluable asset

Shifts the focus to the person's contributions as an asset to the organization.

significant contributor

Highlights the importance of their contributions.

respected peer

Emphasizes the mutual respect and standing among equals.

trusted collaborator

Focuses on the reliability and collaborative nature of the colleague.

helpful coworker

Highlights their helpfulness and support within the workplace.

capable colleague

Emphasizes their competence and skill.

proficient associate

Similar to capable, but emphasizes skill and expertise.

FAQs

How can I use "valuable colleague" in a sentence?

You can use "valuable colleague" to express appreciation for a coworker's contributions, such as: "I appreciate your insights on this project; you've been a truly valuable colleague."

What are some alternatives to "valuable colleague"?

You can use alternatives like "valued coworker", "esteemed associate", or "invaluable asset" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to describe someone as a "valuable colleague"?

It is appropriate to use the term "valuable colleague" in professional settings, performance reviews, or thank-you notes to acknowledge someone's positive contributions and skills.

Is there a difference between "valuable colleague" and "helpful colleague"?

"Valuable colleague" emphasizes overall contributions and skills, while "helpful colleague" focuses specifically on their willingness to assist and support others.