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: plural noun]
Example
My colleague and I are working on a project together. [colleague: singular noun]
partner
Example
I am partnering with John on this presentation for the conference. [partnering: present participle]
Example
My business partner and I are starting a new venture together. [partner: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Colleague is more commonly used than partner in everyday language, especially in professional contexts. Colleague is a widely recognized term for someone you work with, while partner may have more specific connotations depending on the context.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between colleague and partner?
Both colleague and partner can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, colleague is generally considered more formal as it is commonly used in professional settings, while partner can be used in both professional and personal contexts, allowing for a wider range of formality.