buddies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "buddies" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to refer to friends or companions. Example: "I went to the concert with my buddies, and we had a great time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sponsored by employers, it allows workers to accumulate a nest-egg both through their own savings and company contributions.In this section Easing the pain of retirement Buddy, buddies Ballet and the beards The march of unreason The big infamy Tom's tempest ReprintsDubbed the "accidental pension", the 401(k) plan grew like Topsy after its birth in the early 1980s.

The Economist

Lennon led the Buddies to their first major trophy in 26 years last season when they won the League Cup at Hampden, but the Paisley club's hierarchy is frustrated by their team's failure to breach the top six.

The Guardian - Sport

In their reading, Iago and Othello – long-time army buddies – used to be bosom chums.

The Guardian

This film, meanwhile, is about the same stripper trying to think up some fun new dance moves for his sexy buddies.

The Guardian - Film

It turns out that children with make-believe companions tend to have better social skills and more developed language abilities than kids who lack imaginary buddies.

The Guardian

He even forwarded naked photographs of them to their email buddies - all from the safe anonymity of a special study room in his own home.

The Guardian - Tech

Gone are the days when a boss could put his golfing buddies on the board.

The Economist

Ms McCaskill peddled the notion that Big Oil has conspired to reduce petrol prices just before the election to keep its Republican buddies in power.

The Economist

Officially, he earns his living by providing private security for a mining company, but unofficially he carries out black ops with his unpleasant buddies, the glowering Felix Javier Bardemm) and the chuckling Cox (Mark Rylance).

The Economist

Here's one option for you:Say you go to New York's Maloney & Porcelli for a steak with your work buddies, and you want to expense the cost, but you've racked up quite a bill.

The Economist

Another is that in Japan's keiretsu system of cross-shareholdings, many shareholders are corporate buddies facing similar dilemmas.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "buddies" in informal contexts to refer to close friends or companions, especially when emphasizing shared experiences or camaraderie. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "friends" or "companions".

Common error

Avoid using "buddies" in formal writing or professional settings, as it can sound unprofessional or overly casual. Opt for more appropriate terms such as "colleagues" or "associates" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "buddies" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple friends or companions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically in informal contexts. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe friends, army comrades, and even political allies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "buddies" is a grammatically sound and frequently used plural noun, primarily functioning to denote close friends or companions in informal contexts. As Ludwig AI states, it’s appropriate for casual conversations and writings, conveying a sense of camaraderie. While it's common in News & Media sources, avoid using it in formal settings. Alternatives like "friends" or "colleagues" might be more suitable for professional communication. Remember to use "buddies" when aiming for a relaxed tone but opt for more formal terms in academic or business environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close friends

Replaces the informal "buddies" with a more neutral and straightforward term.

best mates

A term with British English origin which is similar to “best friends”.

good companions

Emphasizes the shared experiences and camaraderie between individuals, similar to "buddies".

bosom pals

An older, slightly more affectionate term for close friends.

intimate associates

A more formal term that implies a close professional or personal relationship.

trusted confidants

Highlights the aspect of trust and sharing secrets within the friendship.

fellow comrades

Suggests a shared struggle or goal uniting the friends.

partners in crime

Implies a shared mischievousness or rebellious spirit.

sidekicks

Suggests one person is a helper or supporter of another in a friendship.

compatriots

Highlights shared nationality, ideology and belonging.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "buddies"?

The term "buddies" is an informal way to refer to "friends" or companions, often suggesting a sense of camaraderie or shared experiences.

When is it appropriate to use the word "buddies"?

It is most appropriate to use "buddies" in informal settings, such as conversations with friends, casual writing, or when referring to a close group of companions. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to "buddies"?

Some alternatives to "buddies" include "friends", "companions", "pals", "mates", or "colleagues", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "buddies" grammatically correct?

Yes, "buddies" is the plural form of "buddy" and is grammatically correct when used as a noun to refer to multiple friends or companions.