What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
colleague
Example
I have a meeting with my colleagues from the marketing department. [colleagues: noun]
Example
My colleague and I are working on a project together. [colleague: pronoun]
coworker
Example
I have a lunch break with my coworkers at noon. [coworkers: noun]
Example
My coworker and I are collaborating on a presentation. [coworker: pronoun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Coworker is more commonly used than colleague in informal conversations and everyday language. It is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts and is easily understood by native English speakers. Colleague, on the other hand, is more common in formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between colleague and coworker?
While colleague is associated with a more formal tone and is commonly used in business or academic environments, coworker is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
