Should I use 'co-worker' or 'coworker'?

You are in luck! Both ‘co-worker’ and ‘coworker’ are correct! Unfortunately, both ‘co-worker’ and ‘coworker’ are also incorrect! If you need to write a paper for college, or an article for publication, you may need to use ‘co-worker’ because this is the form preferred by the Associated Press. The APA Style Guide However, if your professor prefers you to submit papers which follow the Chicago Manual of Style, you should use ‘coworker’ . The Chicago Manual of Style If you are writing for publication in a Britsh Journal, then you should use ‘co-worker’, per the Oxford Dictionary. The Oxford Dictionary To further complicate the matter, Merriam-Webster only recognizes ‘coworker’ as correct.

Use of ‘co-worker’ and ‘coworker’ in American English

This Ngram indicates the use of ‘co-worker’ and ‘coworker’ in American books, journals, and magazines. As you can see, the unhyphenated spelling, ‘coworker’, has been increasing in use for many years and now is the preferred option.

Use of ‘co-worker’ and ‘coworker’ in British English

This Ngram indicates the use of ‘co-worker’ and ‘coworker’ in British books, journals, and magazines. In British English, the hyphenated spelling, ‘co-worker’, has always been the preferred option.



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Example sentences using ‘coworker’

  • You’re in a meeting and the unthinkable happens: a coworker claims credit for your work.
  • A group of 20 coworkers from the factory won $420 million jackpot.
  • In the complaint, she claimed that her coworkers continually called her ‘she-man’.
  • If you are injured by a coworker, you have two options to recover compensation.
  • Winning the lottery can mean claims by friends and coworkers, so be careful what promises you make and to whom.
  • When a coworker is diagnosed with cancer, most people simply don't know what to say.
  • An ex-NYPD sergeant was accused of throwing his saliva onto a female coworker.
  • Should you talk to the coworker or the boss first?
  • The fact that your coworker is ignoring you is indeed cruel.

Example sentences using ‘co-worker’

  • His immediate co-workers have all claimed that he smells badly.
  • No-one can simply claim harassment and get a co-worker fired on that basis.
  • Always have backup for everything you've done in case a co-worker tries to place blame on you.
  • Times are tough enough without having to deal with a toxic co-worker.
  • A former co-worker of Omar Mateen said that he was dangerous.
  • Saying that to a female co-worker or executive is inappropriate.
  • Be sure to check in with your co-worker and thank her every now-and-then.
  • Of course, you can always get a restraining order against your co-worker.
  • Do your co-workers know you as well as your roommate or a close friend does?
  • Take time to learn about your co-worker’s life and interests outside of the office.


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