a close friend of mine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close friend of mine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person or group of people who are close to you and you consider them to be your friends. For example: I just got an invitation to my best friend's wedding; she's been a close friend of mine for many years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Your father was a close friend of mine".

The New Yorker

She's a close friend of mine, the director said.

The New Yorker

Moisturising isn't a close friend of mine either.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A close friend of mine informed me that she was involved in an encounter with Rennard.

Independent

Neither of the people you mentioned is, or has ever been, a close friend of mine.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's run by a close friend of mine and she has done a great job.

The Guardian - Travel

"A close friend of mine lost her son, and they never found the body.

The New York Times

For years, a close friend of mine struggled with the same issues you have.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A close friend of mine recently told me that he had been feeling sad.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bernard is not a close friend of mine, or even an acquaintance.

The Guardian - Opinion

It wasn't until a close friend of mine was brutally gan- raped and murdered that the full realisation hit me.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a close friend of mine", ensure the context clarifies the nature and depth of the friendship to enhance understanding and connection with your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a close friend of mine" repeatedly in short succession. Vary your language with alternatives like "one of my closest friends" or simply "a good friend" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close friend of mine" functions as a noun phrase used to identify someone with whom the speaker shares a bond of friendship. It is commonly used to introduce individuals, provide context, or explain relationships, which Ludwig AI also confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Lifestyle

12%

Opinion

9%

Less common in

Travel

1%

Science & Research

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close friend of mine" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a significant personal connection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, mainly in news, lifestyle, and opinion pieces. When using the phrase, consider varying your language to avoid redundancy and ensure that the nature of the friendship is clear to your audience. Alternatives like "one of my closest friends" or "a trusted friend" can add nuance to your writing, as provided in the related phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dear friend of mine

Emphasizes affection and fondness, intensifying the bond described.

a trusted friend of mine

Stresses reliability and confidence, underscoring the supportive nature of the relationship.

one of my closest friends

Focuses on the degree of intimacy and significance within the friendship.

a good friend of mine

Highlights the positive qualities and reliability of the friendship.

a personal friend of mine

Highlights the personal nature of the relationship, setting a more intimate and confidential tone.

a longtime friend of mine

Highlights the duration and history of the friendship.

an intimate of mine

Emphasizes a deep, personal connection, often implying shared experiences and mutual understanding.

a confidant of mine

Stresses the trust and intimacy involved, suggesting shared secrets and deep understanding.

a bosom buddy of mine

Uses a more informal and affectionate term, suggesting a very intimate and supportive friendship.

a pal of mine

Presents a casual and amiable relationship, suitable for informal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a close friend of mine" to introduce someone you share a deep connection with, like: "I sought advice from "a close friend of mine" before making the decision."

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

Alternatives include "a dear friend of mine", "one of my closest friends", or "a trusted friend of mine", each conveying a slightly different nuance of the relationship.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a close friend of mine"?

Yes, the phrase "a close friend of mine" is grammatically correct. The structure "of mine" is a possessive construction used to indicate that the friend belongs to your group of friends.

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

"A close friend of mine" implies that the person is one among several close friends. "My close friend" simply indicates that the person is a close friend, without necessarily implying they are one of many.