a close friend

USAGE SUMMARY

"a close friend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone who is a good friend whom you are particularly close with. For example: My close friend and I have been spending a lot of time together lately.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without a close friend?

University of California, Berkeley

His mother, Christine, was a close friend.

The New Yorker

"She was a close friend of Truffaut".

The New Yorker

A close friend, Aditya, got married recently.

The Economist

A close friend is getting married.

The New York Times

I confided in a close friend.

The New York Times

A close friend called him.

The Guardian - Tech

He was a close friend of Harold Ross.

The New Yorker

Eat them with a close friend.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then a close friend from college died.

The New York Times

Joshua Henry was a close friend.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the intensity of a friendship, consider using "a close friend" to convey a strong bond of trust and affection. It's appropriate for most situations.

Common error

While "a close friend" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms like "confidant" or "intimate friend" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close friend" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly identifies an individual with whom one shares a bond of intimacy and trust. This is supported by numerous examples provided in the search results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

18%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a close friend" is a noun phrase used to describe someone with whom you share a bond of intimacy and trust. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While it is suitable for general communication, it may be less appropriate in highly formal or technical settings. The most frequent contexts for this phrase are News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. When using "a close friend", consider synonyms like "intimate friend" or "confidant" to enhance the clarity of your writing. Overall, "a close friend" is a versatile and useful phrase for describing significant relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a best friend

Indicates the highest level of friendship and importance.

an intimate friend

Emphasizes a deep, personal connection.

a dear friend

Expresses affection and warmth in the relationship.

a confidant

Highlights the trust and sharing of secrets.

a trusted companion

Focuses on reliability and shared experiences.

a bosom buddy

Suggests a playful and very close relationship.

a steadfast ally

Emphasizes unwavering support and loyalty.

a soulmate friend

Suggests a deep, almost spiritual connection.

a pal

A more casual and informal term for a close friend.

a ride or die

Informal term emphasizing loyalty and support through difficult times.

FAQs

How can I use "a close friend" in a sentence?

You can use "a close friend" to describe someone you have a strong, trusting relationship with. For instance, "I confided in "a close friend" about my problems."

What are some alternatives to saying "a close friend"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "intimate friend", "confidant", or "best friend" to express varying degrees of closeness and trust.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "a close friend"?

While generally appropriate, avoid using "a close friend" in highly formal or technical contexts where a more neutral term like "colleague" or "associate" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a close friend" and "an acquaintance"?

"A close friend" implies a deep, trusting relationship built on shared experiences and mutual support. An "acquaintance", on the other hand, is someone you know casually but do not have a significant emotional connection with.