a dear friend of mine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dear friend of mine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone you have a close and affectionate relationship with. Example: "I want to introduce you to Sarah, a dear friend of mine who has been there for me through thick and thin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Eleanor was a dear friend of mine.

The Guardian - Books

"John McCain is a dear friend of mine.

The Washington Post

He is truly a dear friend of mine.

The New York Times - Sports

Blumenthal, aka Sid, is a dear friend of mine.

The New Yorker

"When I was 15 a dear friend of mine was shot.

The Guardian

Mona is a dear friend of mine – I used to look after her baby son.

The Guardian

The week of the concert, a dear friend of mine died.

The New Yorker

For a dear friend of mine, "build a sustainable future" and "Earth first!" are mantras.

The New York Times

A dear friend of mine who lives in Putin's Russia collects high-end shaving supplies.

The New Yorker

Euan Uglow, an artist who is sadly dead now, was one of James's teachers and a dear friend of mine.

The Guardian - Arts

But a dear friend of mine said, 'This will be the end for you.' So I tried one last novel".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dear friend of mine" to express genuine affection and a close bond with the person you are referring to.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid using "a dear friend of mine" in highly formal or professional settings where a more neutral term like "colleague" or "associate" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dear friend of mine" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it denotes someone with whom the speaker shares a close and affectionate relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dear friend of mine" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a person with whom you share a close and affectionate bond. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for settings where the expression of warmth and personal connection is appropriate, avoiding overuse in highly formal situations. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, this phrase is frequently found in news and media, showing how versatile it can be in different contexts. Consider alternatives like "a close friend of mine" or "a valued friend of mine" to tailor the expression to the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of my dearest friends

Similar to "a dear friend", but places emphasis on it being one of many.

one of my closest friends

Indicates a high level of intimacy and trust within the friendship.

a close friend of mine

Replaces "dear" with "close", indicating intimacy and trust, but with less emphasis on affection.

a special friend of mine

Suggests a unique and significant connection.

a cherished friend of mine

Highlights the value and importance of the friendship.

a beloved friend of mine

Uses "beloved" to intensify the feeling of affection and admiration.

a valued friend of mine

Emphasizes the personal worth and contribution of the friend.

a good friend of mine

A more general term for friendship, less emphatic than "dear".

a longtime friend of mine

Highlights the duration and history of the friendship.

an esteemed friend of mine

Conveys respect and high regard, suitable for more formal contexts.

FAQs

What does "a dear friend of mine" mean?

It signifies a close and affectionate relationship with someone you value highly. It implies a bond built on trust, shared experiences, and mutual respect.

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

You can use it to introduce someone, share anecdotes, or express appreciation. For example: "Allow me to introduce Sarah, "a dear friend of mine" from college."

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

While both denote a strong bond, "a dear friend of mine" carries a warmer, more affectionate tone, suggesting a deeper emotional connection than "a close friend of mine".

What can I say instead of "a dear friend of mine"?

You can use alternatives like "a good friend of mine", "a valued friend of mine", or "one of my closest friends" depending on the specific context and level of formality.