My dear friends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "My dear friends" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a warm and affectionate greeting or address to a group of people you are close to or have a friendly relationship with. Example: "My dear friends, I am thrilled to share this exciting news with you all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Goulet is not a practicing Catholic, but he prays a lot, and he describes Jesus and Mary as "my dear friends".… Goulet is now appearing in "La Cage aux Folles" on Broadway.

The New Yorker

"My dear friends, you must comfort one another and allow yourselves to be comforted.

Independent

"My dear friends, if there be any among you who seek help in shouldering your worldly cares,….

The New Yorker

"My dear friends, it is good to see you, even on this dark and sad occasion," he began.

The New Yorker

"My dear friends, thank you so much for your hostility," he said, flubbing the word "hospitality".

The New York Times

My dear friends, sects and dictatorship have divided our people for a long time now, but faith unites them.

The Guardian - Opinion

"My dear friends, today I am reaching out to you with the certainty that I can help you put an end to the inevitability of weight problems in North America," he wrote in the preface of the new edition.

The New York Times

My dear friends, they're tired of the magic shows!

Forbes

"My dear friends," he says, "I am going to talk to you today about your fatherland: Belgium".

Wikipedia

My dear friends and colleagues, four years ago we met while unloading cars together here on Andrus field.

Huffington Post

"Larry has become one of my dear friends," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "My dear friends" to create a warm and welcoming tone, particularly when addressing a group in a speech, letter, or informal communication.

Common error

Avoid using "My dear friends" in highly formal or business settings where a more professional salutation like "Esteemed colleagues" or "Dear associates" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "My dear friends" functions as a salutation or address, used to open a speech, letter, or conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its use to create an immediate sense of connection and warmth with the audience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "My dear friends" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to address a group of people in a friendly manner. While versatile, it’s best suited for informal and neutral contexts and should be avoided in highly formal business or academic settings. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression serves primarily to establish rapport and express warmth, making it ideal for speeches, letters, and casual conversations. Alternatives such as "My beloved friends" or "Dear colleagues" can be considered to adjust the level of affection or formality, respectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My dearest friends

A more intimate and affectionate variation.

My beloved friends

Emphasizes a deeper sense of affection and love.

My cherished friends

Highlights the value and importance of the friendship.

My valued friends

Emphasizes the importance and worth of the friends.

My kind friends

Focuses on the kindness and generosity of the friends.

Dear companions

Replaces "friends" with a more formal and intimate term.

Loyal friends

Highlights steadfast and faithful nature of friendship.

Friends, I'm so glad to see you

More casual and personal greeting.

My esteemed colleagues

Shifts the context to a professional setting, emphasizing respect.

My good people

A more general and slightly old-fashioned way to address a group.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "My dear friends"?

Use "My dear friends" when addressing people you know well in a friendly setting or when trying to create a warm atmosphere. It works well in speeches, letters, and informal communications.

What are some alternatives to "My dear friends"?

You can use alternatives like "my beloved friends", "dear companions", or "my cherished friends" depending on the context and level of affection you want to convey.

Is "My dear friends" too informal for business communication?

Yes, "My dear friends" is generally too informal for most business communications. Consider using phrases like "Esteemed colleagues" or "Dear associates" instead.

Can I use "My dear friends" in academic writing?

In most cases, no. Academic writing typically requires a more formal tone. Addressing readers as "My dear friends" would likely be seen as inappropriate.