big friend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big friend" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a close friend who is large in stature or to convey a sense of importance or significance in a friendship. Example: "He has always been my big friend, supporting me through thick and thin." Alternative expressions include "close friend" and "dear friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

He's a big friend of Damien Hirst".

The Guardian - Arts

Instead, the U.S.A. should be a big friend.

The New Yorker

He added: "I knew him very well – a very big friend of mine.

The Guardian

And Damien Hirst is, of course, a big friend of Rosenthal's.

The Guardian - Arts

Whitten asks me how Cliff Richard is. "He was a big friend of Jerry's.

The Guardian - Music

We sneaked in to see it, me and my very big friend Malachi.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"They are very big friends.

The Guardian

// He rolls the executions on his tongue like berries./ He wishes he could hug them like big friends from home".

Independent

I was big friends with Jockey, I miss him very much.

The Guardian - Sport

He is obviously United to his bones and big friends with Giggs etc.

The Guardian - Sport

She said they were "not big friends, but friends," noting that they had played doubles as well as practiced regularly together.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: the phrase can imply a significant personal bond or, in a political context, a strong alliance between entities.

Common error

Avoid using "big friend" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "close ally" or "significant supporter" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big friend" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptive term to denote a close, supportive, or influential friend. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "big friend" is a commonly used expression to describe a significant and supportive friend or ally. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, from personal anecdotes to political commentary. While grammatically correct, its informality suggests it's best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. For professional or academic settings, more precise alternatives are advisable. "Big friend" signifies a bond that transcends mere acquaintance, implying trust, reliance, and mutual support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close companion

Emphasizes the closeness and companionship aspect of the friendship.

trusted confidant

Focuses on the aspect of trust and sharing secrets.

intimate friend

Highlights the deep level of trust and personal connection.

loyal ally

Emphasizes the supportive and unwavering nature of the friendship.

bosom buddy

Suggests a very close, often lifelong friendship, more informal.

staunch supporter

Highlights the supportive and unwavering nature of a friendship.

great pal

An informal and warm way to describe a good friend.

dear comrade

Highlights shared experiences or a sense of solidarity.

good acquaintance

Highlights a positive but not necessarily deep relationship.

significant other

When referring to a romantic or life partner.

FAQs

How can I use "big friend" in a sentence?

You can use "big friend" to describe someone who is a supportive and important figure in your life, or to describe a country with a strong alliance. For example, "He's been my "big friend" through all the hard times" or "That country has always been a "big friend" to our nation".

What can I say instead of "big friend"?

You can use alternatives like "close companion", "intimate friend", or "loyal ally" depending on the context.

Is "big friend" a formal or informal term?

"Big friend" is generally considered an informal term. In formal contexts, it's better to use more precise language like "close associate" or "important ally".

What's the difference between "big friend" and "good friend"?

"Big friend" often implies a deeper level of significance, support, or influence compared to a "good friend". A "good friend" is someone you enjoy spending time with, while a "big friend" is someone you rely on.