close associates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close associates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who are in a close, trusting relationship, such as family, friends, or colleagues. For example, "My close associates know me better than anyone else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are close associates.

The New York Times

He was once one of Mr Zhou's close associates.

The Economist

Even to his close associates, Kravinskyʼs business seemed implausible.

The New Yorker

Chinese businesspeople prize relationships among friends, relatives, and close associates.

Harvard Business Review

The EU says he is one of Putin's close associates.

The Guardian

Even his close associates call him cold, hard and distant.

The Guardian - Business

The Speaker's departure will see his close associates analysed.

The Guardian

Our sincere condolences to his wonderful family and close associates.

The New York Times

And Mr. D'Amato's close associates, former aides and major clients have pitched in, too.

The New York Times

Mr. Ahmadinejad's conservative critics have tried to link his close associates to the alleged fraud.

The New York Times

But several of Martelly's close associates have been accused of serious crimes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics like political scandals or criminal investigations, use "close associates" to maintain a neutral tone and avoid implying guilt by association.

Common error

While "close associates" is a grammatically correct phrase, it can sound overly formal or even ominous in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "friends" or "colleagues" when the relationship isn't strictly professional or highly confidential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close associates" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a group of people with strong connections to a central figure. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to people in a close, trusting relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close associates" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to describe individuals who share a strong connection with another person, whether professional, personal, or political. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in academic and formal business writing. While the phrase is generally neutral, its connotations can shift depending on the context. For example, in legal or political discussions, it might imply shared responsibility or knowledge. When writing, consider the specific context to ensure the phrase's formality aligns with your intended tone. If the context is informal, consider alternatives such as "friends" or "colleagues".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimate colleagues

Replaces "associates" with a more personal term, "colleagues", emphasizing the personal relationship.

trusted companions

Emphasizes the aspect of trust and personal relationship rather than professional association.

inner circle

Focuses on exclusivity and influence within a group.

key confidants

Highlights the aspect of secrecy and trust in sharing personal matters.

principal advisors

Emphasizes the role of providing advice and guidance.

closest allies

Stresses the aspect of mutual support and cooperation.

intimate partners

Highlights a close working relationship and shared enterprise.

nearest collaborators

Emphasizes the collaborative nature of the relationship.

personal coterie

Implies a select group of individuals with shared interests or backgrounds.

inner sanctum

Suggests a highly exclusive and protected group of individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "close associates" to refer to people who have a close relationship, often in a professional or political context. For example, "The CEO's "close associates" were also implicated in the scandal".

What's a more informal way to say "close associates"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "friends", "colleagues", or "inner circle" to replace "close associates" in more informal settings.

Are "close associates" and "accomplices" the same thing?

No, "close associates" simply implies a close relationship. "Accomplices" suggests involvement in wrongdoing. While "close associates" can be accomplices, the terms aren't interchangeable.

What is the difference between "close colleagues" and "close associates"?

"Close colleagues" refers specifically to people who work together in a similar professional field or workplace, highlighting shared work. "Close associates" is broader and can include friends, family, or anyone with a strong connection, regardless of their professional relationship or the lack of it.