best mates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best mates" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to very close friends, often in informal contexts. Example: "They have been best mates since childhood." Alternative expressions include "close friends" and "best friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Music

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MH Metallica's best mates.

The Guardian - Music

They're best mates.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're best mates.

The New York Times - Sports

I've lost best mates.

The New York Times

Are they soulmates, or just best mates?

The Guardian - Travel

"Some of my best mates are here.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's one of my best mates.

The Guardian

"My best mates in life are my best mates from secondary school.

The Guardian - Film

But right now it's not easy to be best mates.

The New York Times

I mean, your best mates tell you, don't they?

The Guardian

"One of my best mates shot himself in the head.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase when you want to humanize public figures, as seen in Ludwig examples where celebrities or athletes are described through their personal bonds.

Common error

Do not use "best mates" in formal North American business or legal correspondence where the term might be misunderstood as unprofessional slang. Opt for "close associates" or "trusted partners" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best mates" functions as a plural noun phrase that serves to identify a high degree of platonic intimacy between individuals. In many Ludwig examples, it acts as a subject complement following a linking verb (e.g., "We are best mates"). It is used as a stronger, more colloquial version of the phrase "best friends".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "best mates" is a widely accepted and highly effective phrase for describing deep, platonic bonds. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent appearance in high-authority media outlets such as The Guardian and the BBC. While it is primarily Informal and carries a distinct regional flavor associated with British and Australian English, its usage is versatile enough to appear in sports, music and lifestyle journalism. It serves as a powerful linguistic tool for humanizing subjects and conveying trust. Writers should feel confident using it in creative and journalistic contexts but should opt for more formal synonyms like "close friends" in academic or strictly formal American business environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best friends

Standard global equivalent suitable for all informal to neutral contexts.

dearest friends

Carries a more emotional and sentimental tone.

closest companions

More descriptive and slightly more formal way to describe intimacy.

closest confidants

Suggests a relationship based on shared secrets and deep trust.

bosom buddies

An idiomatic and somewhat old-fashioned way to describe very close friends.

inseparable allies

Emphasizes mutual support and a bond that cannot be broken.

thick as thieves

An idiom emphasizing that two people are very close and often secretive.

inner circle

Refers to a group of most trusted friends rather than just one or two individuals.

childhood friends

Specifically refers to the duration of the friendship since youth.

trusted associates

A more professional or formal version of a close relationship.

FAQs

How to use "best mates" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an intimate bond, such as in the Ludwig example: "They have been "best mates" since secondary school."

What can I say instead of "best mates"?

You can use alternatives like "best friends", "closest friends" or "inseparable" depending on the context.

Is "best mates" formal or informal?

It is considered Informal, though it is frequently used in high-quality journalism like The Guardian and BBC to describe personal dynamics in a relatable way.

What is the difference between "best mates" and "soulmates"?

While "best mates" refers to deep friendship, "soulmates" usually implies a romantic or spiritual connection that goes beyond platonic friendship.