a reliable ally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reliable ally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that can be trusted to provide support or assistance in various situations. Example: "In times of crisis, having a reliable ally can make all the difference in achieving success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Third, the PP might not be a reliable ally.

The Economist

In Skorobutov's opinion, Putin's effort to make Trump a reliable ally ultimately failed.

The New Yorker

In Football West, however, the women's game has found a reliable ally.

The Guardian - Sport

Not long ago, Mr. Bloomberg was viewed as a reliable ally of labor.

The New York Times

He has been a reliable ally for big gambling firms in his state.

The Economist

Sure, you wouldn't want Claire Underwood as an enemy in the struggle against male oppression, but a reliable ally?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The stated goal is to create a reliable ally with strong institutions and a modern, vigorous democracy.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, activists like Reed have learned to stress secular reasons (Israel is a democracy, a reliable ally) for their position.

The New York Times - Magazine

And there is reason to think that the chief justice has found a reliable ally when it counts.

The New York Times

It has been invited to join NATO next year and is keen to show America it is a reliable ally.

The Economist

In fact, while conservative groups have questioned his commitment as an opponent of abortion, Mr. McCain has proved quite a reliable ally on the issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a country as "a reliable ally", provide specific examples of their cooperative actions or shared values to substantiate the claim.

Common error

Avoid portraying someone or something as "a reliable ally" without considering potential limitations or changes in circumstances that might affect their dependability. Qualify the statement if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reliable ally" functions as a noun phrase, where "reliable" modifies the noun "ally". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It acts as a descriptive term identifying someone or something that offers consistent support and can be trusted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reliable ally" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an entity that provides consistent and dependable support. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in various contexts. Its usage leans towards neutral and professional settings, particularly in news, business, and political discussions. To maximize clarity and impact, ensure you substantiate claims of reliability with specific examples. Avoid overstating dependability without acknowledging potential limitations. This expression often surfaces in prominent sources, making it ideal for formal written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dependable partner

Emphasizes the aspect of partnership and trustworthiness, highlighting mutual reliance.

a trustworthy confederate

Highlights trustworthiness and collaboration, suggesting a shared purpose.

a steadfast supporter

Focuses on unwavering support and loyalty, emphasizing a commitment to a cause or person.

a loyal compatriot

Highlights loyalty and shared nationality or background, suggesting a bond of kinship.

a consistent advocate

Emphasizes the regularity and predictability of their support, focusing on advocacy.

a faithful colleague

Focuses on the reliability and dedication within a professional context.

a true friend

Simplifies the relationship to a basic level of trust and friendship, removing the strategic element.

a strong advocate

Shifts the focus to the strength and vigor of the support provided.

a proven collaborator

Highlights past instances of successful collaboration, focusing on experience.

a sure source of assistance

Highlights the certainty and availability of help when needed, emphasizing resources.

FAQs

How can I use "a reliable ally" in a sentence?

You can use "a reliable ally" to describe a person, group, or nation that consistently supports or helps another in various endeavors. For example: "The United States considers Japan "a reliable ally" in maintaining stability in the Pacific region."

What are some synonyms for "a reliable ally"?

Synonyms for "a reliable ally" include "a dependable partner", "a trustworthy confederate", or "a steadfast supporter". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuances you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "reliable friend" or "reliable ally"?

While both "reliable friend" and "reliable ally" are grammatically correct, "reliable ally" often implies a more formal or strategic relationship, particularly in political or business contexts. "Reliable friend" suggests a personal bond based on trust and support.

What distinguishes "a reliable ally" from just "an ally"?

The adjective "reliable" emphasizes the consistent and dependable nature of the alliance. Simply being "an ally" indicates a formal agreement or association, while "a reliable ally" highlights the trustworthiness and dependability of that association.