What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
collaborate
Example
Let's collaborate on this presentation to ensure we cover all the important points. [collaborate: verb]
Example
The team members collaborated effectively to finish the project ahead of schedule. [collaborated: past tense]
cooperate
Example
We need to cooperate with each other to successfully complete this group project. [cooperate: verb]
Example
The countries agreed to cooperate on environmental issues for the benefit of all. [cooperated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cooperate is more commonly used than collaborate in everyday language. Cooperate is a versatile term that can be applied to different situations and relationships, while collaborate is more specific and often used in professional or academic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between collaborate and cooperate?
While cooperate can be used in both formal and informal contexts, collaborate is more commonly associated with formal settings such as work or academic environments. However, both words can be used interchangeably depending on the formality level desired.