army of friends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "army of friends" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large group of supportive friends or allies, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "During tough times, I felt grateful for my army of friends who stood by me and offered their support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Sendak in hiding attracts an ever-expanding army of friends.

The Guardian - Books

Facebook made oversharing with a small army of friends a mainstream activity.

The New York Times - Tech

There is an army of "friends" already showing support for the cause.

The Guardian

I was just one of a huge army of friends of Seymour Spencer, who has died aged 91.

The Guardian

This week she spent a day whipping up 200 real blini to feed a small army of friends and family.

The New York Times

Ludo added much to the stock of public life, education and gaiety, and leaves an army of friends.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"I'm among the army of Nader friends who have implored him not to run," Mr. Green said.

The New York Times

The idea was a place with the look of Cape Cod and the feel of Uncle Mike's Seaside Inn and Spa for a small army of relatives, friends and neighbors.

The New York Times

During her last twenty years she made sure she spent part of each year in Paris, where she did much of her translating and, as usual, added a small army of new friends.

The New York Times

In an email that I'm secretly still proud of, but truly never intended for wider consumption, I recounted the facts of the evening, exactly as they happened, to a small army of close friends.

The Guardian

For those who dream of college life going on forever, they had it down: living in a dorm, all the services they needed, and an army of potential friends.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "army of friends" to convey the idea of a large, supportive group that offers assistance and camaraderie in various situations. It is suitable when you want to emphasize the strength and numbers of your social support.

Common error

Be mindful that "army of friends" is a metaphorical expression. Avoid using it in contexts where a literal army or military force is intended, as this could lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "army of friends" is to act as a noun phrase, often functioning as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. This aligns with Ludwig AI analysis, which recognizes the phrase's correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "army of friends" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to describe a large and supportive group of friends. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal communications. When aiming for formal expression, consider substituting with phrases like "extensive support network". Its primary purpose is to highlight the abundance and strength of one's social support, emphasizing reliability and camaraderie.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large circle of friends

Emphasizes the breadth of the social connections.

extensive network of friends

Highlights the interconnectedness and support system.

close-knit group of friends

Focuses on the intimacy and solidarity among friends.

supportive community of friends

Stresses the communal aspect and mutual aid.

band of loyal companions

Implies unwavering support and faithfulness.

host of friendly faces

Highlights the welcoming and approachable nature of the group.

league of extraordinary pals

Adds a touch of whimsy and camaraderie.

plethora of amicable relations

Suggests an abundance of friendly connections, more formal.

troupe of supportive allies

Paints friends as people who act together to support each other.

cluster of comforting acquaintances

Focuses on the solace that these friends bring, less intense than "army".

FAQs

How can I use "army of friends" in a sentence?

You can use "army of friends" to describe a large, supportive group of friends. For example, "She faced the challenge with the support of her "army of friends".

What can I say instead of "army of friends"?

You can use alternatives like "large circle of friends", "extensive network of friends", or "supportive community of friends" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "army of friends" in formal writing?

While "army of friends" is widely understood, it's more suitable for informal or semi-formal contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "extensive network of support" or "large circle of colleagues".

What does "army of friends" imply?

The phrase "army of friends" implies that a person has a significant number of friends who provide strong support and assistance. It suggests a powerful and reliable social network.