In professional writing and everyday communication, I often see people open an email with hello or dear colleagues, and sometimes with fellow colleagues. From my experience editing workplace correspondence, this phrase is usually incorrect and problematic. A colleague is already defined as a worker, associate, or peer who shares a similar position, role, or profession within an organization.
Adding the adjective fellow (a noun and descriptor that already indicates shared status, equality, or common experiences) creates redundancy, repetition, and wordiness. This repetitive pairing weakens clarity, hurts brevity, and can make a sentence feel lengthier and less concise, which goes against conciseness and straightforward style principles often praised by William Zinsser.
In most workplace settings, the preferred and appropriate choice is simply colleagues, especially when addressing multiple recipients or a diverse audience. I’ve learned that clear, formal, and polite language shows respect, supports professionalism, and avoids confusion about meaning or standing.
Using just colleagues keeps the message focused, suitable for the context, and well received, whether in introductions, presentations, or team communication. If warmth or camaraderie is needed, adjusting tone matters more than adding superfluous elements.
Choosing words with precision helps convey value, supports collaboration, and reflects strong grammar and etiquette without sounding impersonal or overly formal.
What Does “Fellow Colleagues” Mean?
At first glance, “fellow colleagues” seems to mean people you work with—your associates, coworkers, or workmates. The word fellow suggests togetherness, shared roles, or equality, while colleagues already refers to people working in the same field or organization.
So the intended meaning is usually:
- People who work alongside you
- Individuals in the same professional position
- A group united by shared work, goals, or responsibilities
The problem is that both words already express the same idea.
Why “Fellow Colleagues” Sounds Awkward to Native Speakers
To native speakers, “fellow colleagues” often sounds repetitive, unclear, or unnecessary. It’s similar to saying:
- free gift
- past history
- advance planning
These phrases repeat the same concept twice. In everyday language, native speakers prefer shorter, cleaner expressions that don’t duplicate meaning.
Just as “lightning bug” and “lightning” refer to different ideas, some words look harmless together but create confusion when paired incorrectly.
The Core Grammar Rule Behind the Problem
The issue with “fellow colleagues” is semantic repetition, not punctuation or a missing comma. Grammarhow-style explanations often describe this as redundancy.
Here’s the rule in plain English:
If one word already contains the meaning of another, you don’t need both.
“Colleagues” already means people who share the same work, position, or professional environment. Adding “fellow” doesn’t add new information.
This isn’t about restrictive or nonrestrictive clauses, commas, or sentence construction. It’s about meaning overlap.
Breaking Down the Word “Fellow”
The word fellow has a long etymology, tracing back to Old Norse fele, meaning partner or one who shares. Historically, it described:
- A man or boy who shared a role
- A companion or comrade
- Someone united by interests, beliefs, or circumstances
Over time, “fellow” broadened in scope and became:
- Gender-neutral
- Applicable to professionals, students, passengers, travelers, and teammates
Examples:
- fellow student
- fellow traveler
- fellow researcher
- fellow dog lover
In each case, fellow works because it modifies a noun that doesn’t already imply shared status.
The Meaning and Usage of “Colleague”
A colleague is:
- A person you work with
- Someone in the same profession, organization, or project
- An associate with parallel responsibilities
Whether in a university, institution, company, or academic program, the term already includes the idea of equality and shared roles.
That’s why “fellow colleague” feels like repeating the same idea twice.
Is “Fellow Colleagues” Grammatically Wrong or Just Unnatural?
Technically, it’s not grammatically incorrect. The sentence won’t break any formal grammar rules.
However, it is:
- Stylistically weak
- Unclear
- Unnatural to native speakers
- Often considered inappropriate in professional writing
In polished English, appropriateness matters as much as correctness.
Correct vs Incorrect Usage (Side-by-Side Examples)
Incorrect or Unnatural
- I’d like to thank my fellow colleagues for their support.
- She presented the report to her fellow colleagues.
Correct and Natural
- I’d like to thank my colleagues for their support.
- She presented the report to her team.
Better Alternatives
- coworkers
- associates
- fellow team members
How Native Speakers Actually Talk at Work
In everyday conversations, native speakers choose simple, direct terms:
- colleagues
- coworkers
- team members
- people I work with
In meetings, emails, or reports, clarity and productivity matter more than formality. Overloaded phrases can sound stiff or overly academic.
Formal vs Informal Settings: Does Context Change Anything?
Even in formal settings—academic conferences, award speeches, or institutional reports—“fellow colleagues” is rarely recommended.
In highly formal or ceremonial speech, speakers might use:
- distinguished colleagues
- esteemed colleagues
- respected colleagues
These add value without repeating meaning.
Common Mistakes ESL Learners Make With “Fellow”
ESL learners often use “fellow” to sound polite or inclusive. This intention is valued, but the execution can miss the mark.
Common mistakes include:
- fellow colleagues
- fellow coworkers
- fellow associates
The pattern is the same: repeating the same idea.
Related Words People Often Confuse With “Fellow”
People sometimes confuse “fellow” with:
- friend
- roommate
- classmate
- passenger
- partner
Each word has specific contexts. “Fellow” works best when highlighting shared identity, not repeating an existing one.
Synonyms and Better Alternatives to “Fellow Colleagues”
| Situation | Better Choice |
| Work email | colleagues |
| Team meeting | team members |
| Casual chat | coworkers |
| Academic setting | peers |
| Friendly tone | associates |
Using the right term improves impression, clarity, and professionalism.
Using “Fellow” Correctly in Sentences
Correct examples:
- She spoke with her fellow students at the university.
- The award was given to a fellow researcher in quantum physics.
- He traveled with fellow passengers on the plane.
Incorrect:
- fellow colleagues
- fellow coworkers
Professional Writing: What Should You Use Instead?
In reports, proposals, and emails:
- Use colleagues alone
- Use team, department, or group
- Adjust tone based on formality
This ensures your writing is well-received, respectful, and effective.
Spoken English vs Written English Usage
In spoken English, people may say “fellow colleagues” without thinking. It’s understandable, but in writing—especially academic or professional—it stands out more.
Written language demands more precision.
Cultural and Regional Nuances in Addressing Groups
In some cultures, repetition signals respect. English, however, values efficiency and directness. Understanding these nuances helps avoid misinterpretations.
Idioms, Expressions, and Fixed Phrases With “Fellow”
Common natural uses:
- fellow human beings
- fellow citizens
- fellow travelers
These work because the base noun doesn’t already imply shared status.
Academic, Historical, and Institutional Uses of “Fellow”
In academia, Fellow can be a title:
- Research Fellow
- Teaching Fellow
- Fellow of the Royal Society
Here, “fellow” is a designation, not a modifier, so the rules differ.
Gender-Neutral Language and Modern Usage Trends
“Fellow” is now widely accepted as gender-neutral, unlike older masculine terms. Still, clarity matters more than tradition.
Edge Cases: When Repetition Might Seem Acceptable (But Isn’t)
Even in speeches or formal introductions, repetition rarely adds value. Simplicity conveys confidence.
How to Sound Natural, Clear, and Respectful
To sound natural:
- Avoid repeating meanings
- Choose context-specific words
- Focus on clarity over decoration
This balance improves relationships, teamwork, and communication.
Key Takeaways for Confident Usage
- “Fellow colleagues” is redundant
- Native speakers usually avoid it
- Use “colleagues” or a clearer alternative
- Context and tone matter
FAQs
Is “fellow colleagues” grammatically correct?
It’s grammatically acceptable but stylistically redundant. Native speakers usually avoid it because “colleagues” already implies shared work or status.
Why do people say “fellow colleagues”?
Many speakers use it to sound polite or inclusive, especially in formal speech, but it unintentionally repeats meaning.
What should I say instead of “fellow colleagues”?
Use “colleagues,” “team members,” “coworkers,” or “associates,” depending on the situation and formality.
Is “fellow colleagues” used in professional writing?
It’s generally discouraged in professional, academic, and business writing due to redundancy.
Can I say “fellow students” but not “fellow colleagues”?
Yes. “Students” doesn’t already imply shared status, so “fellow students” is natural and correct.
Conclusion
So, is it correct to say “fellow colleagues”? Technically yes—but in real, effective English, it’s better avoided. Because the phrase repeats the same idea, it sounds unnatural to native speakers and weakens clarity.
Choosing precise, simple words shows confidence, respect, and strong language skills. By understanding how English speakers actually use terms like “fellow” and “colleagues,” you’ll communicate more naturally, professionally, and effectively in any situation.
Jozaf is a visionary mind with a passion for creativity, growth, and innovation. Known for turning ideas into impact, he believes in progress driven by purpose and authenticity.
