a close ally of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close ally of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a strong supportive relationship with another person or group, often in a political or strategic context. Example: "The senator is known to be a close ally of the environmental movement, advocating for policies that protect natural resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A close ally of Flynn.

The Washington Post

Saudi Arabia is a close ally of Pakistan.

The New York Times

Mr. Wesa is a close ally of the president's brother.

The New York Times

He is not a close ally of the current governor.

The Economist

Iran is a close ally of Syria and Hezbollah.

The New York Times

Mr. Crowley is a close ally of Mr. Manton.

The New York Times

David Cameron sees himself as a close ally of Merkel.

The Guardian

India, meanwhile, is a close ally of Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Fekky had been a close ally of Mubarak.

The Guardian

Nader became a close ally of Trump officials.

The Guardian

But many protesters reject Bensalah, a close ally of Bouteflika's.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a close ally of" to clearly indicate a strong, supportive relationship between individuals, groups, or nations, especially in political, strategic, or collaborative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a close ally of" when describing casual acquaintances or relationships lacking significant mutual support or shared goals. The phrase implies a deep and reliable connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close ally of" functions as a prepositional phrase used to describe a noun (person, country, organization) that maintains a strong, supportive relationship with another. This is evident from the examples in Ludwig where it connects individuals and entities in contexts of political and strategic alliances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close ally of" is a prevalent phrase used to denote a strong, supportive, and often strategic relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various sources, predominantly in news and media. While it is appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, remember that this phrase suggests a relationship built on shared interests and mutual support, making it unsuitable for describing casual relationships. Alternative phrases include "a strong supporter of" or "a key associate of", depending on the context. Be mindful of the strength and nature of the relationship you are describing to ensure accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong supporter of

Focuses on the aspect of providing support.

a firm friend of

Emphasizes the friendly nature of the relationship.

a staunch advocate for

Highlights active promotion and defense.

a key associate of

Indicates a professional connection.

a trusted confidant of

Highlights the element of trust and secrecy.

a devoted follower of

Emphasizes loyalty and adherence.

a strong adherent to

Focuses on shared beliefs and principles.

a faithful companion of

Suggests a longstanding and loyal relationship.

a major proponent of

Highlights active advocacy and promotion.

a dedicated adherent of

Emphasizes commitment and loyalty to a cause or person.

FAQs

How can I use "a close ally of" in a sentence?

You can use "a close ally of" to describe a strong, supportive relationship. For example: "The prime minister is considered "a close ally of" the president."

What's the difference between "a close ally of" and "a friend of"?

"A close ally of" typically implies a strategic or political relationship built on mutual support and shared goals, while "a friend of" suggests a personal bond. Use "a close ally of" when describing formal or impactful alliances.

What can I say instead of "a close ally of"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong supporter of", "a firm friend of", or "a key associate of" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a close ally of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a close ally of" is suitable for formal writing, especially in political, business, or academic contexts where describing strategic relationships is necessary. Its use is supported by its frequency in news and media sources.