a close circle of acquaintances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close circle of acquaintances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small group of people that one knows well and interacts with frequently. Example: "She prefers to spend her time with a close circle of acquaintances rather than large gatherings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The name only emerged after the publication of Speer's 1969 memoirs, Inside the Third Reich, and is actually based on casual remarks made, we believe, just twice by Hitler in conversation with a close circle of acquaintances," says Schaulinski.

The Guardian

There is also a tendency to sign keys (upon verification) from people which do not belong to a close circle of acquaintances, with the sole purpose of strengthening the web of trust with more connections.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Have a close circle of friends.

WikiHow

Establish a close circle of friends.

WikiHow

He didn't have a close circle.

Forbes

She was not a drug addict or an alcoholic, but an attractive and sociable, if somewhat secretive person, with a wide circle of acquaintances.

The Guardian - Film

Montesquieu had a wide circle of acquaintances in England.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such a system may be restricted to a small set of familiar messages that can be read by a limited circle of acquaintances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was a spontaneous, half-kidding proposition, made over beers, but a broad circle of acquaintances came to take it seriously.

The New York Times - Magazine

Going out, a wide circle of acquaintances - cultural capital and social capital - are key factors in determining your social class, according to the survey.

BBC

Our finding supports other research indicating that a marital partner is important both as an intimate attachment and for facilitating involvement with a wider circle of acquaintances (Dykstra & Gierveld, 2004).

Aging and Mental Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context. This phrase is suitable for describing social relationships, professional networks where interactions are frequent and personal, and even historical or fictional settings where social circles are relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "a close circle of acquaintances" if the relationships are superficial. The term "acquaintances" inherently suggests a level of familiarity, but "close circle" implies a deeper connection. If the relationships are merely casual, opt for "a wide circle of acquaintances" or "a network of contacts" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close circle of acquaintances" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific group of people known to an individual, emphasizing the closeness or intimacy within that group. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close circle of acquaintances" is a noun phrase used to describe a small, intimate group of people known to an individual. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. While not exceptionally common, the phrase appears in various contexts, including news, wiki entries, and scientific articles. When writing, it's important to ensure that the relationships described truly reflect a sense of closeness, as using "acquaintances" alone implies a less intimate connection. Consider alternatives like "a tight-knit group of associates" or "an intimate set of companions" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tight-knit group of associates

Implies a stronger bond and perhaps more frequent interaction among the individuals.

a personal inner circle

Emphasizes the personal and private nature of the relationships.

a small network of contacts

Focuses on the professional or practical aspect of the relationships.

an intimate set of companions

Suggests a deeper, more personal connection.

a small band of confidants

Focuses on the sharing of secrets and mutual trust.

a select group of intimates

Emphasizes exclusivity and closeness.

a curated collection of friends

Implies a deliberate selection process in forming the group.

a trusted coterie of fellows

Highlights trust and shared interests.

a close set of peer relations

Describes professional relationship and common status.

a limited number of familiar faces

Focuses on recognizability and comfort derived from familiarity.

FAQs

How does "a close circle of acquaintances" differ from "a wide circle of acquaintances"?

"A close circle of acquaintances" suggests a smaller, more intimate group, while "a wide circle of acquaintances" implies a larger, more diverse network with less personal connection. A "wide circle" includes many people you know, but not necessarily well.

What are some alternatives to "a close circle of acquaintances"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a tight-knit group of associates", "an intimate set of companions", or "a trusted coterie of fellows".

Is it correct to use "a close circle of acquaintances" in a formal setting?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, consider your audience and the specific nuance you want to convey. In some formal contexts, "a small network of contacts" might be more appropriate.

How can I use "a close circle of acquaintances" in a sentence?

You might say, "She preferred to spend her time with "a close circle of acquaintances" rather than attending large parties," or "His business success was largely due to the support and collaboration within his "a close circle of acquaintances"."