a very close friend

USAGE SUMMARY

'a very close friend' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who you have a particularly close relationship with, such as a best friend or a family member. Example: She was my a very close friend and I still miss her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is, Redstone tells us, "a very close friend".

The New Yorker

"He was a very close friend of my grandfather.

Independent

"She's a very close friend of mine," my grandmother explained.

The New Yorker

Lebbeus was a very close friend and great architect.

The Guardian - Arts

He's a very close friend, a very sweet man.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I lost a very close friend recently," she said.

The New York Times

"John McCain is a very close friend of mine.

The New York Times

"Rebekah's a very close friend of mine, personally," Conway said.

The New Yorker

"Rahm is a very close friend of my wife, who lives in Chicago," Mr. Lucas added.

The New York Times - Arts

I was a very close friend of Karyn's for over 35 years.

The New York Times

You are supposed to be a very close friend to my people.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase to emphasize trust, loyalty, and emotional support between individuals.

Common error

While "a very close friend" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively. Vary your language by using synonyms like "intimate friend", "dear friend", or "trusted confidant" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically acting as an appositive or complement to describe a person. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts, reinforcing its role in specifying the nature of a relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very close friend" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a deep and trusted relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, indicating a strong emotional connection. While versatile, consider using synonyms to avoid repetition and tailor your language to the specific tone and formality of your writing. Top sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its widespread use in news and media, affirming its place in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a best friend

Denotes the highest level of friendship, implying a strong bond and mutual support.

an intimate friend

This alternative emphasizes the emotional depth and personal connection between the individuals.

a dear friend

This suggests a fond and cherished relationship, emphasizing affection and appreciation.

a trusted confidant

Focuses on the aspect of trust and the sharing of secrets or personal matters.

a longtime companion

Highlights the duration and shared experiences over a significant period.

a kindred spirit

Emphasizes shared values, interests, and perspectives.

a soulmate

Suggests a profound connection, often implying a spiritual or emotional resonance.

a staunch ally

Focuses on the supportive and loyal nature of the friendship, especially in challenging situations.

a bosom buddy

An informal way to describe a very close friend, often suggesting shared adventures or experiences.

a pal

A casual term for a close friend, often used in informal settings.

FAQs

How can I use "a very close friend" in a sentence?

You can use "a very close friend" to describe someone with whom you share a deep emotional connection and trust. For example, "She's been a very close friend since childhood."

What's the difference between "a very close friend" and "a casual acquaintance"?

"A very close friend" implies a strong, intimate relationship with mutual trust and support, whereas "a casual acquaintance" refers to someone you know superficially.

What are some alternatives to saying "a very close friend"?

You can use alternatives like "an intimate friend", "a dear friend", or "a trusted confidant", depending on the specific aspect of the friendship you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a very close friend" in formal writing?

Yes, "a very close friend" is appropriate in formal writing, but consider the context. In some cases, more formal alternatives like "a trusted associate" might be more suitable, depending on the relationship and the purpose of the writing.