close confidants

USAGE SUMMARY

"close confidants" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to people with whom one shares private thoughts or secrets. Example: "She confided her fears to her close confidants." Alternative expressions include "trusted friends," "intimate associates," and "dear companions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

There are the questions you ask friends, family and close confidants.

The New York Times - Tech

Young people were in the streets; close confidants were backing away.

The New Yorker

He is among a handful of close confidants to Rupert Murdoch, News Corporation's chairman and chief executive.

The New York Times

A study found that one American in four reported having no close confidants, up from one in 10 in 1985.

The New York Times

Divulging he was diagnosed with the virus around four years ago, Sheen said he was making a public announcement following the betrayal of a number of close confidants.

Independent

Jurors have listened to unflattering testimony from some of Blagojevich's former close confidants, as well as damning snippets of F.B.I. wiretap recordings.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Who is that person, is it like a close confidant?

Independent

Unlike Mr. Gonzales, Mr. Mukasey is not a close confidant of the president.

The New York Times

The cleric was a close confidant of Baghdadi.

The New Yorker

June 9, 1936--December 8, 2005: Distinguished colleague, close confidant.

The New York Times

Arafat nominated Ahmad Qurei, speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council and a close confidant, to replace Abbas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close confidants", ensure the context clearly indicates the mutual trust and shared confidences between the individuals involved. Avoid using it loosely for mere acquaintances.

Common error

Avoid using "close confidants" to describe people who are merely friendly or helpful. The phrase implies a level of intimacy and shared secrets that may not exist in casual relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close confidants" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close confidants" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that identifies individuals with whom one shares private and sensitive information. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and general discourse. Although it is generally neutral, the appropriateness of using it depends on the level of intimacy accurately portrayed. Alternatives such as "trusted friends" or "inner circle" can be used depending on the specific context. When writing, it's important to ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the depth of trust and shared confidences between the individuals described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trusted friends

Emphasizes the aspect of trust and friendship.

intimate associates

Highlights a close professional or personal connection where private matters are shared.

dear companions

Suggests a sense of affection and shared experiences.

closest allies

Focuses on shared goals and mutual support in challenging situations.

inner circle

Refers to a select group of trusted advisors and friends.

private advisors

Stresses the role of providing counsel and guidance on personal matters.

personal counselors

Implies a more formal or therapeutic relationship where advice is sought.

sworn brothers

Indicates a bond of loyalty and secrecy, often in a historical or fictional context.

bosom buddies

A more informal term for very close friends.

soulmates

Emphasizes a deep emotional connection and understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "close confidants" to describe individuals to whom someone entrusts their deepest secrets and personal matters. For example: "She shared her anxieties only with her "close confidants"".

What are some alternatives to "close confidants"?

Alternatives include "trusted friends", "intimate associates", or "inner circle", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "closest confidants"?

While "close confidants" already implies a high degree of trust, using "closest confidants" emphasizes an even stronger bond and a deeper level of intimacy.

What's the difference between "close friends" and "close confidants"?

"Close friends" indicates a strong friendship, while "close confidants" specifically highlights that private thoughts and secrets are shared between the individuals.