a friend for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a friend for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who is a companion or supporter for a specific purpose or duration. Example: "She has always been a friend for those in need, offering help and support whenever it is required."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Recently I met a friend for lunch.

The New York Times

Call a friend for support.

The Washington Post

He's been a friend for 30 years.

The New York Times - Sports

She credits a friend for the name, Fuzzy Synapse.

Stanford University

He had come with a friend for the first time.

The New York Times

Rodman previously described Jong Un as a "friend for life".

Independent

He's been a friend for a long time".

The New York Times - Sports

It's difficult enough to ask a friend for a favor.

The New York Times

Later, I met a friend for a drink.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Turn to a trusted colleague or a friend for advice.

Harvard Business Review

Call a friend for a long overdue catch up.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a friend for", ensure the context clearly indicates the duration, purpose, or aspect of the friendship being emphasized. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a friend for" in contexts where the relationship is undefined or lacks a specific purpose. Be specific about the reason or duration of the friendship to provide meaningful context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a friend for" primarily functions as a noun phrase complement, modifying the noun it follows by specifying the nature or duration of the friendship. As shown by Ludwig, it adds context indicating the specific role or time frame of the friendship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a friend for" is a versatile phrase used to specify the nature, duration, or purpose of a friendship. Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples confirm its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news media and general writing. The phrase can denote support, shared experiences, or the longevity of a bond. While generally neutral in register, writers should ensure clarity by specifying the context of the friendship. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a companion for

Replaces "friend" with "companion", emphasizing shared activities and mutual enjoyment.

a support for

Focuses on the supportive role of the friend.

a buddy for

Uses the informal term "buddy" instead of "friend", suggesting a casual relationship.

a pal for

Similar to "buddy", "pal" is an informal synonym for "friend".

a mate for

Uses the term "mate", commonly used in British English, indicating a close friendship.

someone to rely on for

Emphasizes the reliability and dependability of the friend.

a confidant for

Highlights the trust and intimacy in the friendship, where secrets and personal matters are shared.

an ally for

Suggests a friend who is also a supporter and advocate.

a lifelong friend

Emphasizes the duration and permanence of the friendship.

a trusted friend

Highlights the reliability and trustworthiness of the friend.

FAQs

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

You can use "a friend for" to describe someone who provides support or companionship for a particular reason or length of time. For instance, "She's been "a friend for" me during this difficult time" or "He is "a friend for" life".

What are some alternatives to "a friend for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a companion for", "a support for", or "a trusted friend".

Is it correct to say "a friend for life"?

Yes, "a friend for life" is a common and accepted expression to describe a friendship that is expected to last a very long time.

What's the difference between "a friend for" and "just a friend"?

"A friend for" often implies a specific purpose or duration, whereas "just a friend" generally describes a platonic relationship without emphasizing any particular aspect. For example, "He's "a friend for" advice," versus "He's just a friend from work".