a young friend of ours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a young friend of ours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a friend who is younger than the speaker and their group, indicating a sense of familiarity and belonging. Example: "We invited a young friend of ours to join us for the weekend getaway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A young friend of ours is a clerk in a large midtown bookstore.

The New Yorker

Just for example: the other night I went to a soccer game between two neighboring schools, to watch a young friend of ours.

The New York Times - Sports

The New Yorker, September 11 , 1971P. 32 A young friend of ours is a clerk in a large midtown bookstore.

The New Yorker

By Donald A. E. Beer and Burton Bernstein The New Yorker, September 11 , 1971P. 32 A young friend of ours is a clerk in a large midtown bookstore.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A serious young friend of ours has decided to give his life in an attempt to bolster up our confidence.

The New Yorker

A young friend of mine who takes Batman seriously tells me the Caped Crusader was born in the Bronx.

The New York Times

But as it happens, with the entrance of Karin (Tami Dixon), a young friend of Sidonie, the show grows increasingly indelicate.

The New York Times

A young friend of the family comes to tea with news that she's found somewhere to stay in London.

The Guardian - Opinion

A young friend of hers from home, who is in Italy with his family, comes to visit her.

The New Yorker

Contribution received from Charles Macomb Flandrau; His chauffer, Clark told him about an accident that happened to a young friend of his, a policeman on the force of St .Paul, Minn.

The New Yorker

A young friend of mine who tried merging his tech company with a French one, spending two days a week in Paris, eventually gave up.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a young friend of ours" to convey a sense of familiarity and inclusion, particularly in storytelling or anecdotal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a young friend of ours" excessively in formal writing, as it can sound informal or anecdotal. Opt for more direct or descriptive language when formality is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a young friend of ours" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific person who is both a friend and younger than the speaker. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a young friend of ours" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for referring to a younger friend within a group. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and suitability for various contexts, particularly in narrative and anecdotal settings. While the phrase is not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for news, books, and general conversation. Although examples are relatively rare, authoritative sources like The New Yorker and The New York Times demonstrate its established usage. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of our younger friends

Focuses more explicitly on the age difference.

a youthful friend of ours

Emphasizes the youthfulness of the friend.

a junior friend of ours

Highlights the friend's relative inexperience or lower status.

a friend of ours who is young

A more descriptive and less idiomatic alternative.

a younger companion of ours

Replaces "friend" with "companion", suggesting a closer relationship.

one of our friends who is young

Similar to "a friend of ours who is young" but with a slight shift in emphasis.

a protege of ours

Suggests a mentoring relationship in addition to friendship.

a mentee of ours

Similar to "a protege of ours", explicitly indicating a relationship where guidance is provided.

a ward of ours

Suggests a level of responsibility or care beyond friendship.

a junior associate of ours

Suitable in professional settings where the relationship is more formal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a young friend of ours" to refer to someone younger in your social circle, for example: "A young friend of ours is starting college this year."

What are some alternatives to "a young friend of ours"?

Consider using phrases like "one of our younger friends" or "a youthful friend of ours" to vary your language.

Is it always appropriate to specify someone's age when referring to them?

No, specifying someone's age is not always necessary. Use discretion and consider the context to determine if it's relevant. If the age is irrelevant, simply say "a friend of ours".

What is the difference between "a young friend of ours" and "a younger friend of ours"?

While both phrases are similar, "a young friend of ours" generally implies that the person is simply young, whereas "a younger friend of ours" explicitly emphasizes that the person is younger than the speaker or others in the group.