circle of friends

USAGE SUMMARY

"circle of friends" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to a group of close friends that you trust and have formed a tight bond with. For example, "My circle of friends is like my second family; they are always there for me when I need them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her loving circle of friends.

The New York Times

He broke from this circle of friends.

The New Yorker

She had a wide circle of friends.

The New Yorker

The circle of friends bowed their heads.

The New Yorker

She had a huge circle of friends.

The Washington Post

PLEASANTVILLE -- Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Open mike.

The New York Times

"Marge Moorehouse and Her Circle of Friends".

The New York Times

Sisterhood!" and "your circle of friends".

The New York Times

His circle of friends covered the world.

The New York Times

He leaves a huge circle of friends.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Check out his/her circle of friends/family members.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's social life, use "circle of friends" to convey a sense of close, supportive relationships. This is especially useful in biographical or character-driven writing.

Common error

In professional settings, consider using more specific terms like "colleagues" or "network of contacts" to avoid sounding too informal. "Circle of friends" is best reserved for personal or narrative contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circle of friends" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, this term describes a group of individuals who are close and supportive of one another, appearing frequently in examples from news articles and personal narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "circle of friends" is a common and generally accepted way to describe a group of close, supportive friends. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. While versatile, it’s best suited for neutral to informal contexts, as highlighted by its prevalence in news, academic, and wiki sources. For formal or professional settings, consider alternatives like "colleagues" or "social network". The phrase conveys a sense of intimacy and mutual support, making it valuable for describing personal relationships and social dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inner circle

Suggests a select group with privileged access or closer relationships.

group of companions

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary to describe the group.

crew of intimates

Stresses the closeness and personal nature of the relationships.

close associates

Highlights the intimacy and strong bond within the group.

cohort of buddies

This phrase emphasizes shared experiences and camaraderie.

social network

This phrase emphasizes the interconnectedness and broader scope of relationships.

fellowship of kindred spirits

This alternative highlights shared values and a sense of belonging.

clique of pals

Implies a smaller, potentially exclusive, and informal group.

set of acquaintances

This term broadens the scope to include less intimate relationships.

band of brothers

This alternative is more suitable for male-dominated groups and emphasizes camaraderie.

FAQs

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

You can use "circle of friends" to describe a group of people who are close to each other and provide support. For example, "She relies on her circle of friends for emotional support".

What is a more formal way to say "circle of friends"?

In more formal contexts, you might use terms like "social network", "colleagues", or "associates", depending on the specific type of relationship you're describing.

Is it appropriate to use "circle of friends" in business writing?

While "circle of friends" is common in everyday language, it may be too informal for business writing. Consider using terms like "professional network" or "business contacts" instead.

What are some alternatives to "circle of friends" that emphasize different aspects of the relationship?

Alternatives like "inner circle" suggest a more exclusive group, while "social network" highlights a broader range of connections.