close acquaintance

USAGE SUMMARY

'close acquaintance' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to someone that you know very well and with whom you have a close relationship. For example, "My close acquaintance, John, has been by my side for more than 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The glaziers, however, were probably English with a close acquaintance with French models.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Close acquaintance with the language of the text is a prerequisite.

Britannica

They parted in 1527 but resumed their close acquaintance in Rome (1531), and it was the Roman style that influenced their subsequent development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet, as her close acquaintance Roland Barthes said, it is only once the voice loses its origin that writing may begin.

The Guardian - Books

(You will know the feeling of one close acquaintance to whom she said, "I have no friends, and you're one of them").

The New Yorker

His coverage of the mob was helped by his close acquaintance with mobsters, people he met while hanging around N.Y.C. courtrooms.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Friends and former colleagues described Ms. Forrest — known as Kitty to close acquaintances — as decisive.

The New York Times

Usually these people are close acquaintances, with family members mentioned in about 20 percent of dream reports.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I continue to return to them, like to a group of close acquaintances and friends," he told me.

The New Yorker

By selling most of his equity, close acquaintances said, it was easier to split marital assets in the divorce.

The New York Times

Both politicians belonged to the Democratic-Republican Party and so must have been close acquaintances.||Like Enos T Throop and other followers of President Maarten Van Buren, Varnum was a vocal critic of slavery.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close acquaintance" to denote a level of familiarity that is more intimate than a casual acquaintance but perhaps not as deep as a very close friend. It implies a degree of personal knowledge and interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "close acquaintance" when "close friend" is more appropriate. A "close acquaintance" suggests a degree of familiarity and personal knowledge, while a "close friend" implies a deeper level of emotional connection and shared experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close acquaintance" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a person known reasonably well, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close acquaintance" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe someone you know well but not intimately. As Ludwig AI indicates, its function is to specify a relationship that falls between a casual acquaintance and a close friend. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to professional tone, suitable for various forms of communication. When seeking alternatives, consider "intimate friend" or "close associate" depending on the context. Remember to use "close acquaintance" when you want to indicate a good level of familiarity without suggesting a deeply personal bond.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimate friend

Emphasizes a deep emotional connection, implying a higher level of closeness than a mere acquaintance.

dear friend

Highlights affection and fondness, suggesting a warm and cherished relationship.

close associate

Suggests a professional or working relationship with a strong bond.

personal friend

Focuses on the private nature of the friendship, separate from professional or public life.

near confidant

Indicates a trusted person to whom one reveals secrets and private thoughts.

inner circle member

Implies belonging to a small, exclusive group of trusted individuals.

familiar companion

Suggests a comfortable and regular presence in one's life.

bosom buddy

An informal term for a very close friend, often used humorously.

cherished colleague

Highlights a valued and respected working relationship with a personal connection.

longtime ally

Emphasizes a sustained and supportive relationship over an extended period.

FAQs

How can I use "close acquaintance" in a sentence?

You can use "close acquaintance" to describe someone you know well, but not intimately. For example, "He is a "close acquaintance" of the family, having worked with my father for years".

What's the difference between a "close acquaintance" and a "close friend"?

A ""close acquaintance"" suggests a degree of familiarity and personal knowledge, while a "close friend" implies a deeper level of emotional connection, shared experiences, and mutual trust.

What can I say instead of "close acquaintance"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "intimate friend", "close associate", or "personal friend".

Is "close acquaintance" formal or informal?

"Close acquaintance" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and purpose of the communication.