The phrase “work closely with” is used to describe situations where individuals or teams collaborate in a tight, coordinated, and often ongoing manner. Whether in the office, in academic settings, or during projects that require intense cooperation, this phrase helps express a strong level of teamwork and communication.
However, if you find yourself repeating “work closely with” in your writing or speech, you’re not alone — and the good news is, there are many compelling alternatives that can help add variety and precision to your language. This guide explores a wide range of expressions that can replace “work closely with,” each offering its own nuance depending on the context.
Whether you’re writing a professional report, updating your resume, or just trying to communicate more effectively, this collection of alternatives will help you better capture the dynamics of effective collaboration.
Other Ways to Say “Work Closely With”
1. Collaborate with
Example: “We collaborated with the design team to refine the product interface.”
Meaning: To work together on a shared task or project, often suggesting joint intellectual or creative effort.
Usage: Common in business, academic, or creative industries when emphasizing teamwork on shared goals.
2. Coordinate with
Example: “The logistics department coordinated with suppliers to ensure timely delivery.”
Meaning: To organize activities so that people or groups can work together efficiently and effectively.
Usage: Often used in operational or organizational settings where timing, planning, and communication are key.
3. Partner with
Example: “Our nonprofit has partnered with local schools to improve literacy programs.”
Meaning: To form a partnership, typically implying equal involvement and responsibility.
Usage: Frequently seen in strategic alliances, business development, and nonprofit sectors.
4. Join forces with
Example: “The tech companies joined forces with universities to develop new AI models.”
Meaning: To combine efforts or resources to achieve a common purpose or overcome a challenge.
Usage: Suitable for emphasizing unity and powerful collaboration in campaigns or initiatives.
5. Liaise with
Example: “He liaised with the marketing team to finalize the campaign rollout.”
Meaning: To establish communication and cooperation between groups or individuals.
Usage: Common in formal or professional environments, especially in interdepartmental coordination.
6. Team up with
Example: “The illustrator teamed up with a writer to publish a children’s book.”
Meaning: To form a team temporarily or permanently for a specific purpose or project.
Usage: Often used in informal or creative contexts to express cooperative efforts.
7. Cooperate with
Example: “The researchers cooperated with medical professionals during the clinical trial.”
Meaning: To act or work together willingly for a shared outcome.
Usage: Used broadly in professional, legal, or scientific settings where mutual contribution is expected.
8. Work alongside
Example: “She worked alongside engineers to test the new device.”
Meaning: To work in close proximity or on related tasks with others.
Usage: Ideal when highlighting physical or metaphorical proximity in tasks or roles.
9. Be in alignment with
Example: “Our department’s goals are in alignment with corporate priorities.”
Meaning: To share goals, values, or directions, creating harmony and coordinated effort.
Usage: Popular in strategic planning or when discussing cultural or organizational fit.
10. Engage with
Example: “The company actively engaged with customers during the development phase.”
Meaning: To actively participate in meaningful communication or joint effort.
Usage: Effective in contexts involving customer collaboration, public outreach, or inclusive projects.
11. Interface with
Example: “Developers must interface with the support team to resolve user issues.”
Meaning: To interact directly, especially in systems or departments that must exchange information.
Usage: Often used in technical or IT contexts where two systems or teams must work together efficiently.
12. Cooperate closely with
Example: “To meet the deadline, the editorial team cooperated closely with the layout designers.”
Meaning: To collaborate in a particularly tight or intense manner, implying shared responsibility and close communication.
Usage: Appropriate in high-stakes or time-sensitive projects where continuous cooperation is necessary.
13. Maintain close contact with
Example: “Throughout the process, we maintained close contact with legal advisors.”
Meaning: To stay consistently connected for the purpose of sharing updates, progress, or feedback.
Usage: Used in both professional and diplomatic contexts to show attentiveness and coordination.
14. Work hand in hand with
Example: “The teachers worked hand in hand with parents to improve student performance.”
Meaning: To work very closely and harmoniously, with both sides contributing equally.
Usage: This metaphorical expression suits contexts requiring mutual support and aligned efforts.
15. Be in collaboration with
Example: “This policy was developed in collaboration with community stakeholders.”
Meaning: To indicate that something was achieved through joint effort.
Usage: Often used in reports, academic papers, and public communication where shared authorship or effort is key.
16. Build synergy with
Example: “The startup aims to build synergy with strategic investors.”
Meaning: To create enhanced outcomes by combining resources and strengths.
Usage: Common in business, leadership, and innovation contexts where combined forces produce greater results.
17. Form a working relationship with
Example: “They formed a strong working relationship with local contractors.”
Meaning: To establish a practical and functional partnership.
Usage: Effective when discussing the initial phases or long-term cooperation between parties.
18. Be in partnership with
Example: “We’re in partnership with global brands to promote eco-friendly packaging.”
Meaning: To have an ongoing formal or informal collaboration.
Usage: Suits professional and commercial announcements where shared ventures are involved.
19. Support one another
Example: “Team members supported one another throughout the challenging quarter.”
Meaning: To help and assist mutually in a collaborative effort.
Usage: Ideal in human-centered teams or group dynamics that rely on emotional or tactical support.
20. Coordinate efforts with
Example: “The city coordinated efforts with volunteers during the cleanup drive.”
Meaning: To organize tasks and activities jointly for maximum efficiency.
Usage: Used when highlighting planning and execution across groups or agencies.
21. Be jointly involved with
Example: “Multiple departments were jointly involved with the launch of the new product.”
Meaning: To participate together in an action, process, or responsibility.
Usage: This formal structure works well when describing inclusive or interdepartmental actions.
When to Use Different “Work Closely With” Alternatives
In Professional Settings
In workplaces, using alternatives such as liaise with, coordinate with, or form a working relationship with adds a level of professionalism and specificity, especially when addressing multiple departments or external partners. These terms can clarify the exact nature of the collaboration — whether it’s strategic, communicative, or operational.
In Collaborative or Creative Projects
Creative industries thrive on flexible teamwork. Phrases like team up with, collaborate with, and join forces with reflect both spontaneity and equal contribution. They are particularly useful when the partnership involves brainstorming, innovation, or building something new together.
In Academic and Research Contexts
Precision is key in academia. Alternatives such as cooperate with, validate with, or be in collaboration with convey thoughtful and structured cooperation that respects intellectual boundaries while highlighting the depth of engagement.
Conclusion
While “work closely with” is widely used and generally understood, rotating in alternatives like collaborate with, liaise with, or coordinate efforts with can improve clarity, avoid repetition, and provide a more accurate picture of the type of cooperation involved. Whether you’re preparing a professional document, writing content for public communication, or simply trying to refine your language, having a rich variety of expressions helps strengthen your voice and specificity.
If you want to expand your vocabulary further, consider browsing resources like Thesaurus.com or professional writing guides that offer deeper context for collaborative terminology.
FAQs
What does “work closely with” mean?
It means to cooperate or coordinate tightly with someone or a group, typically for a specific purpose, task, or shared goal.
Is “work closely with” formal or informal?
The phrase is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives may offer better clarity or tone depending on the setting.
Can I use “collaborate with” in place of “work closely with”?
Yes, “collaborate with” is a strong and widely accepted synonym, especially when mutual effort and shared responsibility are involved.
Which alternatives are best for business communication?
Terms like partner with, liaise with, coordinate with, and form a working relationship with are preferred in formal or corporate communication.
