close entourage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close entourage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small group of people who are closely associated with someone, often in a supportive or advisory role. Example: "The celebrity arrived at the event with her close entourage, consisting of her manager and a few close friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

At 73, the Bruges bishop, Roger Vangheluwe, Belgium's longest-serving prelate, tersely announced his retirement and acknowledged molesting "a boy in my close entourage".

The New York Times

According to the report, Société Générale recommended that the investigation turn its attention to Mr. Kerviel's "close entourage, both personal and familial".

The New York Times

In a statement yesterday, the bishop said: "When I was still a simple priest, and for a while when I began as a bishop, I sexually abused a young man in my close entourage.

Independent

ROME — The longest-serving bishop in Belgium resigned Friday after admitting to sexually abusing "a boy in my close entourage" many years ago, becoming the latest cleric to quit in a spreading abuse scandal.

The New York Times

Since the early days Elton had toured with a huge, close entourage, most of whom were gobsmacked when he announced the engagement in Sydney at the start of the Australian tour.

The Guardian - Music

True, Brown's henchmen were never far from the scene, but it is doubtful that Blair would confide in Levy, a figure who wasn't even in Blair's middle circle let alone his close entourage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Somehow, "Entourage" was never made.

The New Yorker

Whatever his formal position, Senussi was always one of the Libyan leader's ahl al-khaimah (people of the tent) – Gaddafi's very closest entourage.

The Guardian

Whatever his position, he is one of the Libyan leader's ahl al-Khaimah (people of the tent) – Gaddafi's very closest entourage.

The Guardian

"We will insist that Mr. Kadyrov's closest entourage is involved in the murder," he said after the verdict, according to Mediazona, a news website that followed the trial closely.

The New York Times

"In the opinion of extremists, Khattab died having opened a poisoned letter delivered to him by someone from his closest entourage," the newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported Tuesday.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid redundancy, consider using "inner circle" or "trusted advisors" as alternatives to "close entourage", depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "close entourage" to refer to a large group of casual acquaintances. The term implies a select few individuals with whom the person has a deep and reliable connection. If you're describing a big party, use something else, like "large group of friends".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close entourage" functions as a noun phrase, where "close" modifies the noun "entourage". It describes a specific group of people intimately associated with an individual, typically offering support, advice, or assistance. Ludwig indicates its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close entourage" is used to describe a small group of trusted individuals surrounding a person, typically offering support and advice. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "friends" or "associates", it is more precise in emphasizing the intimate and supportive nature of the relationships within the group. It is frequently encountered in news and media contexts, with a register ranging from neutral to professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inner circle

Focuses on the exclusivity and influence within a group of trusted individuals.

tight-knit group

Emphasizes the strong bonds and close relationships among the members.

inner sanctum

Highlights the private and often inaccessible nature of the group.

trusted advisors

Specifically refers to individuals who provide counsel and guidance.

intimate circle

Underscores the personal and emotional closeness of the relationships.

personal retinue

Suggests a formal and often hierarchical group of attendants.

inner coterie

Implies a small and exclusive group with shared interests or goals.

private staff

Focuses on the individuals employed to provide personal services.

immediate circle

Highlights the direct and proximal relationship of the individuals.

entourage of confidants

Specifically emphasizes the trust and reliance placed on the individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "close entourage" to describe a small group of people closely associated with someone, often in a supportive or advisory role. For example: "The CEO arrived at the conference with their "close entourage", including their chief of staff and legal counsel."

What's a more formal synonym for "close entourage"?

A more formal synonym for "close entourage" could be "trusted advisors" or "inner circle", particularly when referring to professionals or figures in positions of authority.

Is "close entourage" the same as "entourage"?

While "entourage" refers to a group of people surrounding someone, "close entourage" implies a smaller, more intimate group characterized by trust and close relationships. The term "close" specifies the nature of the relationships within the group, indicating a higher level of confidence and reliability.

When is it appropriate to use "close entourage" instead of just "friends"?

Use "close entourage" when you want to emphasize the supportive, advisory, or functional role of the group surrounding someone, rather than simply highlighting a social connection. It is often used in contexts where the individual is in a position of power or influence.