a good friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good friend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is supportive, trustworthy, and caring in a friendship context. Example: "She has always been a good friend, always there to lend a helping hand when I need it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's a good friend".

The New York Times - Sports

"A good friend".

The New Yorker

"She's a good friend".

The New York Times

"You are a good friend".

The New Yorker

He was a good friend".

The New York Times

"Paul was a good friend.

Independent

"He was a good friend of mine.

The New Yorker

"He's a good friend of mine.

The New York Times - Sports

I lost a good friend today.

The New York Times

A good friend and a great guy.

The New York Times

Well, what's a good friend for?

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a good friend", provide specific examples of their positive qualities or actions to add depth and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "a good friend" without providing context or examples. This can sound generic and lack impact. Instead, elaborate on the qualities that make them a good friend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good friend" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It is used to describe or identify someone who possesses positive qualities associated with friendship. Ludwig examples confirm its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good friend" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves to describe someone possessing positive qualities within a friendship. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. The contexts in which it appears range from news articles to personal communications, indicating its broad applicability. While the phrase is commonly used, it is advisable to add depth by providing specific examples or elaborating on the qualities that make someone a good friend. Consider using synonyms such as "a true friend" or "a loyal friend" for variety. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and meaningfully convey your appreciation for the friends in your life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a true friend

Replaces "good" with "true", emphasizing sincerity and loyalty.

a loyal friend

Substitutes "good" with "loyal", highlighting faithfulness and dedication.

a close friend

Focuses on the level of intimacy and connection in the friendship.

a supportive friend

Highlights the characteristic of providing encouragement and assistance.

a reliable friend

Emphasizes the quality of being dependable and trustworthy.

a steadfast friend

Stresses the unwavering and constant nature of the friendship.

a valued friend

Indicates that the friend is appreciated and held in high esteem.

a cherished friend

Highlights the precious and beloved nature of the friendship.

a dear friend

Implies affection and fondness for the friend.

an understanding friend

Focuses on the friend's ability to empathize and comprehend.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good friend" to describe someone who is supportive, trustworthy, and caring. For example, "She is "a good friend"; she always listens when I need to talk."

What can I say instead of "a good friend"?

Alternatives include "a true friend", "a loyal friend", or "a close friend", depending on the specific qualities you want to emphasize.

Which is correct, "a good friend" or "a good friend of mine"?

Both are correct, but "a good friend of mine" implies a closer relationship. "She's "a good friend"" is a general statement, while "She's "a good friend of mine"" suggests a personal connection.

What makes someone "a good friend"?

Qualities of "a good friend" include loyalty, trustworthiness, empathy, supportiveness, and the ability to be there for you in both good times and bad. These qualities define what it means to be "a good friend".