a lost friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lost friend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a friend who is no longer in contact or has been forgotten over time. Example: "As I looked through old photographs, I couldn't help but reminisce about a lost friend from my childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"As a lost friend".

The New Yorker

The trail of a lost friend?

The New York Times

"Hillside," Mr. Urquhart said, in the tone of a man mourning a lost friend.

The New York Times - Food

"To have the chance to reunite with the character, Jack Bauer, is like finding a lost friend".

The New York Times

"You might have a keen interest in finding a lost friend, or being with close friends and family, tidying up your relationships," he said.

The New York Times

He looked just like a lost friend and, further, the daring approach was just the kind of thing her friend would have done.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Use a lost friends site.

WikiHow

Like being reunited with a long lost friend.

MIT Technology Review

It's like being reunited with a long lost friend.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a result, I lost friends.

The New York Times

I lost friends, a boyfriend and a job.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "a lost friend", consider the specific reason for the loss of connection. This can add depth and emotional resonance to your writing. Was it due to distance, disagreement, or simply fading away?

Common error

Avoid implying that "a lost friend" has passed away unless that is the intended meaning. The phrase usually refers to someone with whom contact has been lost, not necessarily someone who has died. Use "deceased friend" or "late friend" to specify death.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lost friend" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is valid and frequently used. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts like reminiscing about the past or describing a search for someone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lost friend" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a friendship that has faded or ended. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, its emotional weight can add depth to writing, particularly when exploring themes of memory and relationships. When using this phrase, consider the specific reasons for the loss of contact and be mindful of avoiding unintended implications of death. Remember, while related phrases like "a former friend" or "an estranged friend" offer similar meanings, they may carry different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a former friend

Focuses on the past nature of the friendship.

an estranged friend

Highlights the separation or alienation that has occurred.

a distanced friend

Emphasizes the growing distance between friends.

a disconnected friend

Suggests a severing of ties or communication.

a departed friend

Implies the friend has passed away or moved on.

a bygone friend

Highlights that the friendship belongs to the past.

a long-gone friend

Emphasizes the length of time since the friendship.

a past companion

Focuses on shared experiences in the past.

an old acquaintance

Indicates a less intimate or casual friendship.

a dissolved friendship

Highlights the end or termination of a friendship.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lost friend" to describe someone you've lost contact with, such as: "Reconnecting with "a lost friend" brought back many fond memories."

What are some alternatives to "a lost friend"?

Some alternatives include "a former friend", "an estranged friend", or "a distanced friend", depending on the specific context and the reason for the separation.

Is it appropriate to use "a lost friend" to refer to someone who has died?

While "a lost friend" typically refers to someone with whom contact has been lost, it can be ambiguous. To specifically indicate that a friend has died, it's clearer to use phrases like "a deceased friend" or "a late friend".

What's the difference between "a lost friend" and "a long lost friend"?

"A lost friend" simply indicates that contact has been lost. "A long lost friend" emphasizes that a significant amount of time has passed since the last contact.