work colleague

Meaning

A person that you work with, typically in a professional or office setting. It is a slightly more formal but very common way to refer to a coworker.

Examples

• I am having lunch with a work colleague from the marketing department.

  I am having lunch with a work colleague from the marketing department.

• My work colleague helped me finish the report before the deadline.

  My work colleague helped me finish the report before the deadline.

• She has been a reliable work colleague for over five years.

  She has been a reliable work colleague for over five years.

• I invited a few work colleagues to my housewarming party.

  I invited a few work colleagues to my housewarming party.

• A friendly work colleague always makes the office a better place.

  A friendly work colleague always makes the office a better place.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He is my college at work.

  ✓ He is my colleague at work.

  'College' is a higher education institution. 'Colleague' is a person you work with. Pronunciation and spelling are different.

• ✗ I work with many work colleagues.

  ✓ I work with many colleagues.

  'Work colleague' is natural, but saying 'work with work colleagues' is redundant. Use 'colleagues' or 'coworkers' in this context.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I need to ask a ___ to cover my shift tomorrow.

  💡 A person you work with.

  Show answer

  work colleague

• Sarah is not just a ___; she is also a close friend.

  💡 A professional associate in your office.

  Show answer

  work colleague