a good friend of ours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good friend of ours" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who you and at least one other person consider to be a good friend. For example: "John is a good friend of ours, and he always looks out for us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

For One Direction, a good friend of ours, Rami Yacoub, who was actually one of my groomsmen and wrote several of our songs in the past with Max Martin, he is doing a lot of producing for them.

Huffington Post

"I didn't go to our next class, and I called Brett, a good friend of ours, and asked are you at a computer right now? Google Amanda.

The Guardian

Gunnar Peterson is a good friend of ours, so when we were developing the fitness program we talked to him.

The New York Times

He was part of a defensive unit that finished second over all in the N.F.L. "Any time you lose a player like Mark, it obviously will affect you out there, especially him being a good friend of ours," linebacker Dan Morgan said.

The New York Times - Sports

We know nothing". He added: "Russell Wilcox is a good friend of ours and had not been working.

BBC

"He's still a good friend of ours and it will be the same way after the game (All-Ireland Final)." Cassidy, like McGee, won an All Star award in 2011 along with a third Donegal player, Karl Lacey.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

My son was a good friend of your son.

The New York Times

Employing the royal "we" to introduce Young as "a really good friend of ours," McCartney brought out his fellow veteran (who'd played the festival earlier in the evening) for "A Day in the Life" and "Why Don't We Do It in the Road?" At the end of the former, the two tacked on a bit of John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance," which set off a mass singalong in the Desert Trip crowd.

Los Angeles Times

And so, you know, Andy, all right, is a good friend of both of ours.

TechCrunch

"Good friend of ours," he added.

The Washington Post

"Good friend of ours," Mr. Band wrote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good friend of ours" to introduce someone in a way that conveys warmth and familiarity, making the interaction feel more personal.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, overuse of "a good friend of ours" can sound repetitive or insincere in very formal writing. Opt for more specific terms if precision is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good friend of ours" functions as a noun phrase used to identify and characterize someone who is well-regarded and liked by a group of people, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It indicates a shared connection and positive relationship. The examples in Ludwig clearly show this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good friend of ours" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone who is well-liked and respected by a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to introduce or refer to someone in a friendly manner, implying a shared connection. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both casual and professional settings, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider more specific language when precision is needed. Understanding the contexts in which the phrase is used is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a close companion of ours

Emphasizes the companionship aspect of the friendship, suggesting a bond built on shared experiences and mutual support.

someone we are good friends with

Highlights the mutual nature of the friendship, focusing on the reciprocal relationship.

a confidant of ours

Highlights the trust and intimacy within the friendship, suggesting a relationship where personal matters are shared.

a pal of ours

Infuses a more casual and informal tone, suitable for relaxed settings and conversations.

someone near and dear to us

Expresses deep affection and emotional closeness, emphasizing the importance of the person in one's life.

an associate whom we value

Shifts the focus to professional or formal connections, emphasizing respect and regard.

a long-time acquaintance of ours

Stresses the duration of the friendship, indicating a relationship that has endured over time.

a comrade of ours

Implies a shared purpose or experience, often used in the context of collaborative endeavors or common causes.

one of our inner circle

Indicates that the person is part of a select group of trusted friends and confidants.

a valued member of our social circle

Highlights the person's role and importance within a group of friends or acquaintances.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good friend of ours" to introduce someone you and others are close to. For example, "Let me introduce you to John, "a good friend of ours" from college."

What are some alternatives to saying "a good friend of ours"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a close friend", "a dear friend", or "someone we are good friends with" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it correct to say "a good friend of we" instead of "a good friend of ours"?

No, "a good friend of we" is grammatically incorrect. The correct possessive pronoun to use is "ours", making the correct phrase ""a good friend of ours"."

How does "a good friend of ours" differ from "my good friend"?

"A good friend of ours" implies that the speaker and at least one other person share a friendship with the individual being described, while "my good friend" indicates a friendship unique to the speaker.