a dear one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dear one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer affectionately to someone who is cherished or loved, often in a personal or emotional context. Example: "I miss my dear one who has moved away for work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A dear one suggested I name the series, "Lights Go On".

Huffington Post

"We lost a dear one," she finished.

The New York Times

There may be sound business reasons for the move, but it is a dear one for investors, who lose a large chunk of every pound transferred over.

The Guardian - Business

So which countries has the foreign-exchange market blessed with a cheap currency, and which has it burdened with a dear one?The Economist's Big Mac index, a lighthearted guide to valuing currencies, provides some clues.

The Economist

The Capgras delusion involves the belief that a dear one (a close relative or the spouse) has been replaced by an impostor.

SEP

If you want the death certificate of a dear one, you pay a bribe.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I regret having spent money on this chest of drawers, but it can save us buying a dearer one," he wrote to Theo, who was now working as a dealer in Paris, with his future wife, Jo. "And when Gauguin comes, he would in any case have to have something there to put his linen in, and anyway his bedroom will be more complete like this".

The New Yorker

A cafeteria Hindu, Harrison's songs drew inspiration from everything from Ram Dass' bestselling memoir ("Be Here Now") to the Tao Te Ching ("The Inner Light") to Paramhansa Yogananda's "Autobiography of a Yogi" ("Dear One").

HuffPost

"A smile and or an 'azizam' (my dear one) will make their eyes light up.

The Guardian

And don't forget to get yourself a nice haircut, dear, one of them said.

The New Yorker

It said, "Dear One, come on back home.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dear one" in writing, consider the audience and tone. It's often most effective in personal narratives or intimate communications.

Common error

Avoid using "a dear one" in formal business or academic writing, as it can come across as overly sentimental or unprofessional. Opt for more neutral terms like "colleague" or "associate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dear one" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and serves to identify someone cherished. It emphasizes a personal connection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dear one" is a grammatically correct and fairly common phrase used to express affection or value for someone. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears most frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, but less so in formal or business settings. The phrase is best suited for personal narratives, heartfelt communications, or when emphasizing a close relationship. When used, writers should be mindful of maintaining a tone appropriate for the context, as its emotional weight might not be suitable for every situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a loved one

Focuses specifically on the aspect of being loved.

a cherished one

Emphasizes the value and care given to the person.

a beloved

A more formal and literary term for someone deeply loved.

someone dear

Shifts the focus to the quality of being dear rather than a specific individual.

a precious person

Highlights the value and importance of the individual.

a close friend

Specifies the relationship as one of friendship with affection.

a special someone

More generic, implying importance and uniqueness.

an intimate

Suggests a close and personal relationship.

a valued individual

Highlights the individual's worth and contribution.

a respected colleague

Implies professional admiration and esteem.

FAQs

How can I use "a dear one" in a sentence?

"A dear one" is typically used to refer to someone you have a strong emotional connection with, like family or close friends. For example, "Losing "a loved one" is a very painful experience."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a dear one"?

Alternatives include ""a loved one"", "a cherished one", or "someone dear". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a dear one" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a dear one" may sound too sentimental in formal contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "valued colleague" or "respected associate" depending on the situation.

What is the difference between "a dear one" and "a loved one"?

While both convey affection, "a dear one" often implies a sense of personal value and closeness, while ""a loved one"" simply indicates that someone is loved. They can often be used interchangeably, but the former carries a slightly more intimate connotation.