a good friend of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good friend of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a close and positive relationship with another person. Example: "She is a good friend of mine, always there to support me in tough times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He was a good friend of mine.

The New Yorker

"He's a good friend of mine.

The New York Times - Sports

She was a good friend of Politkovskaya.

The New Yorker

Also a good friend of Victor Herbert.

The New Yorker

"Malaysia is a good friend of Australia.

The Guardian

Obviously he's a good friend of mine.

The New York Times - Sports

He was a good friend of hers.

The New York Times

She's a good friend of everybody".

The New York Times - Sports

Jack Davenport's a good friend of mine.

The Guardian

A good friend of mine is quadriplegic.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm a good friend of his.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good friend of" when you want to emphasize a positive and supportive relationship, but avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise language might be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a good friend of" to imply undue influence or favoritism, especially in professional or political contexts. This can create the impression of bias or impropriety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good friend of" functions as a prepositional phrase used to describe the relationship between individuals. It indicates a bond of friendship and is frequently used to introduce or identify someone. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good friend of" is a common phrase used to describe a positive relationship between people. Ludwig AI analysis, based on numerous examples from diverse sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, primarily within News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, careful attention should be paid to context to avoid implying undue influence or bias. Alternatives like "a close friend of" or "a dear friend of" can add nuance depending on the specific relationship you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a confidant of

Highlights the trust and intimacy in a relationship, implying shared secrets and vulnerabilities.

a close acquaintance of

Indicates a familiar but not necessarily deep relationship; less intimate than "a good friend of".

a dear companion of

Emphasizes affection and shared experiences, suggesting a stronger emotional bond.

a pal of

An informal and casual term for a friend, often used in colloquial settings.

a buddy of

Similar to "pal", suggesting a friendly but not necessarily deep connection.

an associate of

Focuses on a professional or formal connection, lacking the personal warmth of friendship.

a colleague of

Highlights a working relationship, often implying shared goals or projects.

a supporter of

Suggests admiration and backing, but doesn't necessarily imply a personal friendship.

an ally of

Indicates a shared cause or purpose, often used in political or strategic contexts.

a fellow of

Implies shared membership in a group or organization, lacking the personal connection of friendship.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good friend of" to describe someone who has a close and supportive relationship with another person. For example, "She is "a good friend of" mine, always there to support me in tough times."

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

You can use alternatives like "a close friend of", "a dear friend of", or "a confidant of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"A good friend of mine" is the more common and natural-sounding phrase. "A good friend to me" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

Is it appropriate to use "a good friend of" in formal writing?

While ""a good friend of"" is generally acceptable, consider using more precise language in formal writing. For example, you might specify the nature of the relationship or use a more formal term like "associate" or "colleague" if appropriate.